SELS Lab
(Surface Engineering to Live Sustainably)
The goal of SELS lab is to democratize surface engineering to enhance energy, mass and momentum transport for various industrial processes to reduce the carbon footprint of the industrial sector. One of the most commonly used surface modification methods involves the application of coatings to alter surface chemistry. While this process is scalable and applicable to a wide range of materials, the recyclability of these substrate materials at the end of their lifecycle raises concerns. The difficulty of removing thin-layer coatings often results in much of this material ending up in landfills.
To address this issue, the SELS lab is focused on developing scalable surface texturing processes that modify the surfaces of metals, biodegradable polymers, and nanomaterials. Our vision is to harmonize with nature’s cycles by exploring the compostability of biodegradable materials while also enhancing the recyclability of non-biodegradable ones.
Currently, the main applications being studied in the SELS lab include surface modification for improving boiling heat transfer, enhancing surface wettability, and capturing pollutants. We are committed to exploring innovative solutions that will not only advance technology but also play a vital role in creating a sustainable future for our planet.
Dr. Adya Karthikeyan joined the Department of Chemical and Biological engineering at the University of Ottawa in Fall 2023. Her expertise in surface engineering, energy transport, biodegradable polymers, and process scalability was obtained through her Ph.D. from McGill University, Postdoctoral fellowship from Polytechnique Montreal and 8 years of industrial experience in nuclear power plant operation, and construction materials manufacturing research careers. Her Ph.D. thesis titled ‘Improvement of boiling heat transfer using nanofluid and laser textured surface’ employed novel stable carbon nanotube nanofluids and femtosecond laser textured metal surfaces. She gained expertise on biodegradable polymers in her postdoctoral tenure as she worked on ‘Surface modification of biodegradable polymer for exclusion netting application’ with industrial partners and IRDA.