Centre for Surface Engineering and Corrosion planned

The National Institute of Technology – Tiruchi (NIT-T) has initiated steps to establish a centre for surface engineering and corrosion.

“Corrosion is a major problem causing tremendous money loss in terms of accidents and collapse of structures. The problem also confronts shipping, aero space, and electronic industries in a large way. Yet, there is not much industry-oriented research in this area,” said the NIT-T Director, S. Sundarrajan, explaining the significance of the proposed Centre. In the event of corrosion, the repair procedure must be immediately carried out. The NIT-T would have strategic partnership with the Karaikudi-based CECRI (Centre for Electrochemical Research Institute); and a group of large industries including BHEL and Larsen and Tourbo for establishing its Centre for Surface Engineering and Corrosion. The BHEL has identified 15 research areas.

The NIT-T will foster multi-disciplinary research in this area by constituting a 15-member core group. “Normally, research in corrosion is carried out by experts with Metallurgy background. At NIT-T, the research will be carried out jointly for the first time in the country by experts in various other areas including Mathematics, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Civil Engineering.” Rather than functioning as islands of excellence, the departments would be linked for transformation of research scenario. Inter-disciplinary research holds the future for the country, Dr. Sundarrajan said, informing that leading experts of global standing would be roped into the advisory board. The Centre, envisaged to become operational in two to three years, will also offer industry-oriented research programmes. The NIT-T will secure research funding from the Department of Science and Technology, and DRDO, said Dr. Sundarrajan.