Doctoral Programs

PhD Advanced Materials

The PhD Advanced Materials program is structured to offer students a comprehensive education in Materials Science, preparing them for successful careers in Advanced Materials. The curriculum comprises a set of compulsory courses, complemented by elective courses, enabling the students to excel in the discipline of their choice. These courses help the students to address the modern-day challenges, enabling them to develop materials most suitable for the desired application. The research contributes to a broad range of fields including polymers, composites, smart materials, nanomaterials, and biomaterials.

Program Educational Objectives (PEOs)

The graduates will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a broad knowledge of materials based on research and use this to develop new knowledge following ethical standards.
  2. Function as practicing materials scientists/engineers with the necessary core competencies to interface with other engineering disciplines to solve problems in other areas.
  3. Develop communication skills to write and speak effectively about scientific topics, industrial problems, and research at the national and international level.

Program Learning Outcomes(PLOs)

At the completion of PhD Advanced Materials, the students will be able to:

  1. Review, analyze and interpret systematically the scientific literature and innovations in the areas materials engineering
  2. Develop diagnostic approaches to technological problems and shortcoming through interdisciplinary utilization of materials
  3. Use the in-depth understanding of material properties and behavior in order to envisage and devise novel applications
  4. Use modern engineering tools and techniques to successfully practice the engineering profession in a variety of settings.
  5. Disseminate the research output effectively in research journals, conferences, seminars, thesis, and other scientific venues.

 

First Semester

Code Course Title Credit Hours
 AM-7111  Advancements in Materials  3
 AM-7112  Quantitative and Qualitative methods in research  3
 AM-7113  Developments in Sustainable Materials  2
 AM-7114  Prototype/Review paper  1
 Total  9
    

Second Semester

Code Course Title Credit Hours
 AM-71XX  Elective – I  3
 AM-71XX  Elective – II  3
 AM-71XX  Elective – III  3
     
 Total  9
 Total Credit Hours of Taught Courses 18
 

Semester III - VIII

Code Course Title Credit Hours
AM-8090  Research Thesis  30
 Total  48
 

List of Elective Courses

Sr. No.

Course Code

Course Title

1

AM-7120

Smart and functional materials

2

AM-7121

Nano materials

3

AM-7122

Materials for energy harvesting

4

AM-7123

Materials for biomedical application

5

AM-7124

Recycling and waste management

6

AM-7125

Sustainable biomaterials

7

AM-7126

Membrane separation technology

8

AM-7127

Advanced composites materials

9

AM-7128

Mechanics of composites

10

AM-7129

Reinforcement technology for composites

11

AM-7130

Finite element methods

12

AM-7131

Advance Characterization Techniques

13

AM-7132

Surfaces and interfaces

14

AM-7133

Mathematical methods for modelling

15

AM-7134

Smart polymers

16

AM-7135

Polymeric materials physics

17

AM-7136

Elastomeric materials and processes

18

AM-7137

Advanced polymer chemistry

19

AM-7138

Fluid flow in porous media

20

AM-7139

Heat and mass transfer

21

AM-7140

Mechanics of fibrous structures

22

AM-7141

Woven structures for advance engineering applications

23

AM-7142

Any other subject recommended by supervisor with the consent of HoD and approved by DBOS

Course Specifications

Advancements in Materials

The objective of this course is to give the student an overview of various types of materials used for advanced engineering applications. The students will learn about the properties and applications of various polymeric, ceramic, metallic, bio-, and composite materials ranging from nanoscale to macro scale. In addition to various physical and mechanical properties, various functional aspects of the materials will also be covered in the course including: shape memory effect, self-healing, phase change, fire retardant behavior, and energy harvesting properties.

Recommended Books:

Recent Advances in Material Sciences Pujari, Satish, Srikiran, Satuluri, Subramonian, Sivarao 2018.

Quantitative and Qualitative methods in research

The overall aim of this course is to enable the students to identify a research area, identify a research problem, formulate a research question, conduct a literature survey, formulate research hypothesis, design research experiments, graphically present data, analyze and interpret the experimental data, and draw valid conclusions. Additionally, the students will be able to write a research proposal, critically analyze research papers, and write a short literature review with proper citations and referencing. The students will practice relevant statistical tools and techniques using a statistical software package. The students will also become familiar with plagiarism and other ethical issues in research, patents, copyrights and trademarks, thesis and research paper writing styles.

Recommended Books:

  1. Research methodology. R. Panneerselvam, 2nd ed. PHI learning, 2014.
  2. Analyzing and Interpreting Qualitative Research by Charles Vanover, Paul Mihas, Johnny Saldana

SAGE Publications, 2021

Product Development and Innovation Management

This course is designed to equip the students with management knowledge that will enable them to apply the hard skills and technical knowledge to innovate and develop new products, upscale and commercialize the prototypes and R&D work through the utilizing of innovation and product development strategies and modern practices. The overview of product development and innovation management, innovation processes, models of innovation, innovation management, innovation and industry, product development concepts, product design conceptualization, product design analysis, design test and evaluation, managing intellectual property.

Recommended Books:

Innovation Management and New Product Development, by Paul Trott, 6th Edition, Pearson Education Limited, 2021

Prototype/Review paper

The objective of this course is to introduce the concept of prototype creation and review paper write up. A review-article is also called a literature review, it involves an intensive survey of already published research work on a specific topic. It should provide an overview of current thinking on the theme and, is not like as an original research article that present new experimental results. A prototype is an early sample, model, or release of a product built to test a concept or process. It is a term used in a variety of contexts, including semantics, design, electronics, and software programming. A prototype is generally used to evaluate a new design to enhance precision by system analysts and users.

 

Smart and Functional Materials

This course has been designed to develop students’ knowledge of smart materials and intelligent materials. The students will gain a critical understanding of mechanisms giving rise to the characteristics and beneficial properties of smart materials, as well as the technological applicability and limits of functional materials. In addition, this course gives the recent advances in the field of piezoelectric materials, shape memory alloys (SMAs), electroactive polymers, functionally graded materials (FGMs), etc. Properties of smart materials. Innovative uses of smart materials and their systems. Medical and Military Applications of Smart Materials.

Recommended Book:

C. Prakash, S. Singh, and J. P. Davim, Functional and Smart Materials. CRC Press, 2020.

Nano Materials

This course deals with an in-depth understanding of the relationship between the physical properties and materials dimension. It will cover the different synthesis and characterization techniques of one-dimensional and two-dimensional nanostructures. The applications of these nanomaterials with respect to their properties in various fields of advanced materials will be studied in detail.

Recommended book:

Guozhong Gua, Nanostructures & Nanomaterials, Synthesis, Properties & Applications, Imperial College Press (2003).

Materials for Energy Harvesting

This course covers all aspects of the subject, ranging from natural plant and bacterial photosystems, through their biologically inspired synthetic analogs, to other photoactive molecular materials such as dendrimers. This also establishes the theory and underlying principles across the full range of light harvesting systems. With an authoritative, comprehensive and well-referenced content, it will appeal to all students, researchers and technologists interested or involved in solar energy, photobiology and photoactive materials science.

Recommended Books:

Modern Piezoelectric Energy-Harvesting Materials by Christopher R. Bowen, Hyunsun Alicia Kim, and Vitaly Topolov, 2016 David L Andrews, Energy Harvesting Materials, 2005.

Materials for Biomedical Application

This module aims to furnish students with the advanced specialized knowledge and skills required to design and develop polymer and fiber-based products for use in medicine and healthcare. It progresses students’ knowledge and skills required for designing new medical products, devices and processes. The module covers materials/ tissue engineering, non-implantable materials (wound dressings, hygiene products), health care environment materials (surgical gowns), materials to reduce healthcare-associated infection, therapeutic drug delivery technologies as well as fundamental aspects of legal and ethical issues involved within the medical practices.

Recommended Books:

Materials for Biomedical Engineering,Valentina, Grumezescu, Alexandru, Grumezescu, 2019

Recycling & Waste Management

This course will identify the detailed overview of recycling and waste management principles, concepts, and technologies. The global and economic impact and the evaluation of market economics of waste management, recycling, and recovery. Key concepts within solid and liquid waste management methodologies and advance technologies. Advances in incineration, composting, landfills, pyrolysis, and gasification techniques for wastes recycling, reusing, and reducing.

Recommended Books:

Zero Waste: Management Practices for Environmental Sustainability by Ashok K. Rathoure, CRC Press, 2019 Waste management practices Book by John Pichtel, 2005.

Sustainable Biomaterials

A biomaterial is a substance that has been engineered to interact with biological systems for a medical purpose, either a therapeutic or a diagnostic one. Biomaterials include metals, ceramics, glass, and polymers. These biomaterials can be found in things such as contact lenses, pacemakers, heart valves, orthopedic devices, and much more. The utilization of biomaterials in textile applications, including heart valves, stents, and grafts; artificial joints, ligaments, and tendons; hearing loss implants; dental implants; and devices that stimulate nerves. This course highlights the applications of biomaterials in textiles, their engineering aspects, and possible modifications to meet the end requirements.

 Recommended book:

Fundamentals of Biomaterials by Nesrin Hasirci and Vasif Hasirci, Springer, 2018.

Membrane Separation Technology

Overview of separation processes, Advantages and disadvantages of membranes, Application of membranes in various fields, Transport mechanism and membrane separation processes, Membrane separation processes, Membrane’s contactors, Membrane Modules and process design, Membrane preparation techniques, Polymeric Membranes and Their Applications, Fouling mechanism and remedies, Membrane fouling reduction techniques, Current trends and future perspective, Advanced Materials for Membranes.

Recommended Book:

M. K. Purkit, Randeep Singh, Membrane Technology in Separation Science, Taylor & Francis, 2018

Advanced composites materials

Composites are the materials of the 21st century. They have vast applications in sports, defense, automotive, aerospace engineering, medical sciences, building/construction material, and many other sectors. This course is designed to provide students a thorough knowledge of fundamental issues of fibers reinforced composites. Students will understand how composites are made from different fibers and how the inherent properties and layout of fibers affect the mechanical behavior of composites. They will also learn the techniques used to characterize the structure and properties of composites materials. They will also gain the practical experience of making fiber-reinforced composites and characterize their behavior through mechanical properties.

Recommended Book:

  1. An Introduction to Composite Materials, D. Hull, T. W. Clyne, Cambridge University Press, 2nd ed., 2012.
  2. Fiber Reinforced Composite: Materials, Manufacturing and Design, by P K Mallick, CRC Press, 3rd Ed., 2014.

Mechanics of Composites

Mechanics of materials is a branch of applied mechanics that deals with the behavior of solid bodies subjected to various types of loading. This course deals with stress-strain behavior of different materials, testing techniques, constitutive equations, micromechanics, modeling, and simulation techniques for structural analysis. This course develops understanding and knowledge of material response and performance under various types of forces. It helps to understand material failure behaviors and their prediction. Main concepts include stress and strain, force systems on structures, moment of inertia, and shear and bending moments etc.

Recommended Book:

Parviz Ghavami, Mechanics of Materials: an Introduction to Engineering Technology, Springer, 1st Ed. 2015.

Reinforcement technology for composites

Historical background of composites; classification and general properties. Role of the constituent materials in composite manufacturing, i.e., matrices and reinforcements; their types, production, and properties. Polymeric matrix composites (PMCs). Metal matrix composites (MMCs). Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). General manufacturing techniques of PMCs, MMCs and CMCs and their principles. Special purpose composites. Fiber-matrix Interface and interphase, and their role in tailoring the properties of composites.

Recommended Books:

Fiber Technology for Fiber-Reinforced Composites by M. Ozgur Seydibeyoglu, Amar K. Mohanty, Manjusri Misra, Elsevier, 2017

Finite Element Methods

The objective of this course is to teach the fundamentals of the finite element method for the analysis of engineering problems arising in solids and structures. The course emphasizes the solution of real-life problems using the finite element method underscoring the importance of the choice of the proper mathematical model, discretization techniques, and element selection criteria. The students learn how to judge the quality of the numerical solution and improve accuracy in an efficient manner by optimal selection of solution variables.

Recommended Book:

Daryl Logan, A First Course in the Finite Element Method, Cengage Learning, 6th Ed., 2016.

Advance Characterization Techniques

This course aims to introduce the concept of textile material characterization methods, interpretation of results and the importance of the compliances. The course aims at strengthening students' conceptual as well as practical knowledge in the field of testing and characterization of textile materials. This will also help the students in handling the different problems faced in the industry efficiently. They can perform preventive quality-enhancing measures rather than corrective ones. The focus will be on tools and techniques that are related to quality enhancement and proper utilization of the resources. The students will gain in-depth knowledge of conventional and advance characterization techniques. They will learn the methods to evaluate their physical and chemical properties to ensure the quality of intermediate and end products in textile processes. The students will also learn about different compliances regarding the textile industry. The requisite for these compliances and how to effectively achieve these requisites. The topics will include scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, atomic force microscope, x-ray diffraction, rheometer, thermal analysis, atomic spectroscopy, chromatography, NMR, FTIR and UV Vis spectroscopy.

Recommended Books:

Handbook of Materials Characterization by Surender Kumar Sharma, Springer, 2018

Surfaces and interfaces

This course gives a descriptive account of interfacial phenomena, from simple to complex, to provide students with a strong foundation of knowledge in interfacial materials chemistry. Many case studies are provided to give real world examples of problems and their solutions, allowing students to make the connection between fundamental understanding and applications. The applications in nanomaterials and nanotechnology are also discussed during the course.

Recommended Book:

Chemistry of Functional Materials Surfaces and Interfaces by Andrei Honciuc, Elsevier, 1st Ed. 2021.

Mathematical methods for modelling

This course is an introductory course on Mathematical Modelling. It is designed for students studying mathematical sciences (i.e. Mathematics and Statistics). It may, however, be useful to students in sciences, engineering and other related fields. It introduces students to basic concepts in mathematical modelling. It also equips the students with mathematical modelling skills with emphasis on using mathematical models to solve real- life problems. Topics to be covered in this course includes: methodology of model building, problem identification and definition, model formulation and solution, consideration of varieties of models involving equations like algebraic, ordinary differential equation, partial differential equation, difference equation, integral and functional equations, consideration of some specific applications of mathematical models to biological, social, and behavioural sciences.

Recommended Book:

Methods of Mathematical Modelling by Witelski, Thomas, Bowen, Mark, 2015.

Smart Polymers

A broad variety of materials are actually considered as smart ones(actuators): from shape memory alloys to polymer nano systems. With this course, specific aspects of an exciting interdisciplinary area “Smart Materials” will be introduced in such a way it can be easily understood by a broad audience. How remarkable properties of smart materials correlate with simple structural features at nanoscale and microscale, discuss various methods to characterize materials with smart properties. Inspiring trends in applications of smart materials will be highlighted.

Recommended Books:

Shape Memory Polymers, Blends and Composites: Advances and Applications by J. Parameswaranpillai, Springer, 2019.

Polymeric Materials Physics

Polymers are a ubiquitous part of our everyday life. Advances in polymer synthesis, processing, and engineering have led to new applications exploiting the unique properties of polymers to realize advanced technologies far removed from their initial application. Building on a review of the fundamentals of polymer science, this unit will explore the use of polymers in a range of novel applications from biomedical applications to optoelectronic devices. Different classes of polymers will be discussed including conjugated polymers, block co-polymers, and biopolymers with a view to linking the physical properties of the polymer chain to the functionality of the technological application.

Recommended Books:

Advanced Polymeric Materials: Synthesis and Applications by Didier Rouxel, Sabu Thomas, Nandakumar Kalarikkal, Sajith T.A., River Publishers, 2018

Elastomeric Materials and Processes

The course will focus on introduction to elastomeric materials, Classification of elastomers, Mastication process, Compounding ingredients for rubbers, Rubber blends, Thermoplastic elastomers, Processing, Design of elastomeric products, Comparison of Elastomer Properties. Data sources, Recycling and reuse of elastomeric materials. The course will also focus on application of elastomeric material in different industry.

Recommended Books:

Rubber Science: A Modern Approach by Atsushi Kato, Yuko Ikeda, Shinzo Kohjiya, Yukio Nakajima, Springer, Year 2017  Thermoplastic Elastomers: At a Glance by Manuela Gehringer, DeGruyter, Year 2021

Advanced Polymer Chemistry

This course explores the field of polymer chemistry. Synthetic methods for polymer preparation will be discussed, including condensation, radical, ionic, and ring-opening approaches. The solid-state structure, phase behavior, and mechanical properties of polymers will be covered, as well as current topics of interest in the literature.

Recommended Books:

Polymer Chemistry by Paul C. Hiemenz and Timothy P. Lodge, CRC Press, Year 2020.

Fluid Flow in Porous Media

Processes of flow and displacement of multiphase fluids through porous media occur in many subsurface systems and have found wide applications in many scientific, technical, and engineering fields. This course focuses on the fundamental theory of fluid flow in porous media, covering fluid flow theory in classical and complex porous media, such as fractured porous media and physicochemical fluid flow theory. Key concepts are introduced concisely, and derivations of equations are presented logically.

Recommended Book:

Liang Xue, Xiaozhe Guo, Hao Chen, Fluid Flow in Porous Media: Fundamentals and Applications. World Scientific, 1 st Ed. (2021).

Heat and Mass Transfer

The course provides an insight of the governing laws for heat and mass transfer. The topics covered include one-dimensional and two-dimensional steady-state conduction, transient conduction, fundamentals, and engineering treatment of convection heat transfer, external and internal heat flow and free convection. Applying the rigorous and systematic problem-solving methodology with examples and problems is discussed during this course.

Recommended Book:

RK Rajput, Heat and Mass Transfer, S. Chand Publishing, (2019) DS Kumar, Heat and Mass Transfer, SK Kataria Publishers, (2013)

Mechanics of fibrous structures

This subject will cover the basic theories of fiber yarn and fabric structures. The basic theories related to fibers, yarn and fabric and their geometrical parameters will be discussed. The geometrical and or mathematical relationships among different parameters will be established.

Recommended Book:

Theory of Structure and Mechanics of Fibrous Assemblies Book by Bohuslav Neckar and Dipayan Das, CRC Press, 2013.

Woven structures for Advance Engineering Applications

Understanding and predicting the structure and properties of woven textiles are important for achieving specific performance characteristics in various engineering applications. This course provides comprehensive coverage of the structure, behavior, modeling and design of woven fabrics. It covers discusses the mechanics of woven fabrics, including yarn behavior in woven, tensile, buckling, bending, and creasing behavior. The practical applications of woven fabrics for advanced engineering are also discussed.

Recommended Book:

B K Behera, P K Hari, Woven Textile Structure. Woodhead Publishing, 1st Ed., 2010.

Career opportunities for Graduates after Completion of the Program

The graduates would be able to get job and career opportunities in areas, including:

  • Technical professionals having in-depth knowledge of advanced materials and able to provide research-based solutions regarding operational problems
  • Teaching and research in the domain of advanced materials at university/post-graduate college level.
  • Research Scientist in public or private sector organizations
  • Consultancy on industrial problems to different organizations
  • Design innovative solutions/products for the industries

  1. MS/M.Phil Mechanical Engineering/Chemical Engineering/Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering/Product and Industrial Design/Materials Engineering/Environmental Engineering/Chemistry/Physics/Mathematics/Electrical Engineering/Electronics Engineering/Mechatronics Engineering/Bio Chemistry/Biotechnology/Polymer Science & Engineering or equivalent degree with minimum CGPA 3.00/4.00 or 3.50/5.00 in semester system or 60% marks in annual system from HEC recognized University /Institute.
  2. Applicants having terminal degrees as prescribed in condition no. 01, are required to qualify NTU-GAT (General) test with minimum 60% score while applicants having different terminal degree are required to qualify NTU-GAT (Subject) test additionally with minimum 50% score as per HEC.
  3. Applicant having MS or equivalent degree without thesis is not eligible to apply.
  4. It is mandatory to pass interview in order to compete on merit.
  5. Applicant must not be already registered as a student in any other academic program in Pakistan or abroad.
  6. Result waiting applicants may apply for admission, however their merit will be finalized only on submission of final MS/M.Phil or equivalent official transcript or degree.
  7. Relevant Admission Committee will determine relevancy of terminal degree and decide deficiency course/s (if any) at the time of admission interview, the detail of which will be provided to the student in his/her admission letter/email.
  8. Deficiency course/s will be treated as non-credit and qualifying course/s for which student will also pay extra dues as per fee policy. Those course/s will neither be mentioned in student’s final transcript nor will be included for calculation of CGPA. However, the student may obtain his/her a separate transcript for completion of deficiency course/s.

Merit Criteria

The admission merit list will be prepared according to the following criteria:

 MS/Equivalent  60% weightage
 B.Sc/BE/Equivalent  20% weightage
 Interview result  10% weightage
 Publication/relevant experience  10% weightage (05% + 05%)

Fee Structure of Postgraduate Programs for Admission 2023

Programs

Total One Time Dues at Admission (Rupees)

Tuition Fee (1st Semester) (Rupees)

Total Other Charges (Per Semester) (Rupees)

Total 1st Semester Dues (Rupees)

Ph.D. Advance Materials

           32,400

            33,600

             8,000

74,000


Detail of One Time Admission Dues and Other Charges

Particulars 

Rupees 

Admission Fee (Once at admission) 

25,000 

Certificate Verification Fee (Once at admision) 

2,000 

University Security (Refundable) 

5,000 

Red Crescent Donation (Once at admision) 

100 

University Card Fee (Once at admision) 

300

Library Fee (Per Semester)

3,000

Examination Fee (Per Semester)

3,000

Medical Fee (Per Semester)

2,000

Student Activity Fund (Per Semester)

2,000

Endowment Fund (Per Semester)

1,000

Degree Fee (Once in the Last Semester)

5,000

 

Note:

 (i) Tuition Fee will increase @ 2.5% Per Annum in Subsequent Years.

(ii) The Security Deposit is against breakage and/or any other damage caused by the students.

(iii) The Security Deposit is refundable within two year after the completion of degree or leaving the

the University without completion or expulsion from the University. After Two years all the unclaimed

securities will be forfeited.

(iv) If any student fails to submit semester dues till sixth week from the commencement of semester

then the student's admission will be cancelled. Student may sit in mid exam after the payment of

re-admission fee of Rs.15,000/- along with semester dues.

 

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