Dr. Sudarshan received his Bachelors degree in Metallurgy from the Indian Institute of Technology in Madras. He received his M.S. and Ph.D. in Materials Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute.  He worked for 3 years in the automotive industry as a senior metallurgist and then worked as a Research Director for Synergistic Technologies in Maryland.  In 1987, he co-founded Materials Modification Inc (MMI); and is currently serving as its President and CEO.  MMI is active in the research and development of new and advanced materials primarily coatings and powders. MMI's specialty lies in utilizing novel synthesis and consolidation techniques for nanopowders. 

Dr Sudarshan is the co-author of over 125 refereed journal papers, holder of seven patents, one in the area of oil restoring lubricants and greases and six in the area of plasma pressure compaction. He has edited numerous books in the fields of surface modification technologies, rapid solidification technology and intermetallic and ceramic coatings. He has also authored two significant reports on diamond films‑processing, properties and applications and wear resistant coatings.  Dr Sudarshan is the co-editor of two journals -“Materials and Manufacturing Processes” and “Surface Engineering.”  He currently serves as a member of the National Materials Advisory Board, is the recipient of two R&D 100 and Design News awards and is a Fellow of ASM International and a Fellow of IFHTSE.

The Promise of Nanomaterials

Nature has made nanomaterials for centuries; however it is only in the past 15 years or so that physicists, chemists and engineers are breaking down several types of barriers to bring them into commercial reality so that they can be used in various types of devices. In this talk, a brief history of nanotechnology will be provided and the tantalizing possibilities for changing our lives with many new and unique applications will be presented.  The current methods for synthesizing engineering quantities of nanomaterials and converting them to useful engineering shapes will form a significant portion of the presentation. Applications that are already available today and those that are forthcoming will also be highlighted. Finally, I plan to present the implications of  the convergence of nano and bio and the ability of nano to radically alter the balance by changing  the economic health of individuals, countries and the world in this century.

BACK