Pratheep Annamalai

Dr. Pratheep Annamalai is a polymer and nanomaterials scientist at the University of Southern Queensland, affiliated with the Centre for Future Materials. He holds a BSc (1999) and MSc (2001) from the University of Madras, and a PhD (2009) from Pune University. His research focuses on polymer recycling, renewable nanomaterials, and sustainable food processing.

• Research Interests: Biodegradable polymers, lignin valorization, nanocellulose applications, and sustainable material engineering.
• Teaching: Coordinates BIO3811 Food Product Development and BIO3821 Food Quality Assurance.
• Professional Memberships: ISO/TC229 Nanotechnologies, American Chemical Society, Royal Australian Chemical Institute, and others.

His work bridges materials engineering with food sustainability, particularly in plant-based emulsions and biocomposites. Current projects include spinifex nanocellulose for construction materials and lignin-based polyurethanes. Collaborations span the Institute for Advanced Engineering and Space Sciences and international institutions.

Recent publications emphasize polymer foam insulation, cellulose nanocrystal applications, and food emulsion stabilization. A 2024 ACS Omega paper analyzes surfactant effects on PLA/graphite nanocomposites, while a 2025 Industrial Crops and Products study explores faba bean meat analogues with brewers' spent grain.