Prof. Dr. Jeyasimman Duraisamy: Professor & Director (Academic Research) at Periyar Maniammai Institute of Science & Technology, Vallam, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India

1. Novelty and Originality

The Effect of CuO and BN Nano-Additives on Paraffin Phase Change Material for Energy Storage Applications. This research introduces a hybrid CuO–BN nano-additive system into paraffin phase change material and demonstrates its synergistic effect on thermal energy storage performance. While previous studies have mainly focused on single nanoparticles such as CuO or BN, this work investigates the combined influence of both nanoparticles and shows that the hybrid composite outperforms the individual additives. The study contributes new knowledge by improving thermal conductivity, latent heat storage, specific heat capacity, and thermal stability simultaneously. Such multi-parameter enhancement is relatively uncommon in PCM research, making the work scientifically original and relevant to advanced thermal energy storage applications.

2. Experimental Rigor

The study follows a systematic experimental approach by preparing and comparing pure paraffin, CuO-enhanced paraffin, BN-enhanced paraffin, and hybrid CuO–BN paraffin composites. Multiple thermophysical properties were evaluated using established characterization techniques, including thermal conductivity measurements, specific heat capacity analysis, latent heat determination, and thermogravimetric analysis. The reported improvements are quantitatively supported and show consistency across different thermal parameters. The comparative framework strengthens the reliability of the findings. However, additional investigations such as long-term thermal cycling, nanoparticle dispersion analysis, and statistical validation could further enhance the robustness of the experimental evidence.

3. Impact and Sustainability Significance

The findings have significant implications for sustainable energy storage technologies. Improved thermal conductivity enables faster charging and discharging of stored thermal energy, while increased latent heat capacity allows greater energy storage within the same material volume. Enhanced thermal stability contributes to longer service life and improved reliability. These advantages can support renewable energy systems, waste heat recovery technologies, and energy-efficient buildings by reducing energy losses and improving overall system performance. The research aligns with global efforts toward energy conservation, carbon emission reduction, and sustainable thermal management solutions.

4. Applicability and Industrial Relevance

The developed hybrid nano-enhanced PCM demonstrates strong potential for practical implementation in thermal energy storage systems. Its improved thermal properties make it suitable for applications such as solar thermal storage, building temperature regulation, industrial waste heat recovery, and thermal management of electronic devices. The enhanced heat transfer characteristics can increase operational efficiency and energy utilization in these systems. Although challenges related to nanoparticle agglomeration, viscosity increase, production cost, and large-scale manufacturing remain, the material shows promising prospects for future commercialization. The study provides a valuable foundation for translating nano-enhanced PCM technology from laboratory-scale research to real-world energy storage applications.

Dr. D. Jeyasimman is a distinguished academician, researcher, and administrator currently serving as Professor and Director (Academic Research) in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Periyar Maniammai Institute of Science and Technology. With over two decades of experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership, he has established himself as a leading researcher in materials engineering, nanocomposites, powder metallurgy, welding technology, and high-entropy alloys. His scholarly contributions include 58 research publications, 7 patents, 17 prestigious awards, and the successful supervision of six doctoral scholars.

Online Profile

Scopus Profile

D. Jeyasimman is a researcher affiliated with Periyar Maniammai Institute of Science & Technology in Thanjavur. According to the provided Scopus profile (Author ID: 56015837000; ORCID: 0000-0002-0780-9609), he has published 32 indexed documents that have received a total of 468 citations from 412 citing documents. His h-index of 9 indicates that at least nine of his publications have each been cited nine or more times, reflecting a sustained academic impact and contribution to research within his field.

Education

Dr. Jeyasimman obtained his Ph.D. in Materials Engineering from National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli in 2015. He completed his Master of Engineering in Manufacturing Engineering from National Engineering College in 2004 and earned his Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Government College of Engineering Erode in 1998. His academic foundation has significantly contributed to his expertise in advanced materials processing and characterization.

Research Focus

His research primarily focuses on Materials Engineering, Powder Metallurgy, Mechanical Alloying, Nanocomposites, Welding Technology, High Entropy Alloys, Shape Memory Alloys, and Energy Storage Materials. His work emphasizes the synthesis, characterization, and mechanical behavior of advanced materials for structural, aerospace, automotive, and energy applications. He has also contributed extensively to the development of lightweight metal matrix composites and nanostructured materials through innovative processing techniques.

Experience

Dr. Jeyasimman possesses more than 25 years of professional experience spanning industry, teaching, research, and academic administration. Since joining Periyar Maniammai Institute of Science and Technology in 2009, he has served in several key positions including Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Head of Department, Professor, and Director (Academic Research). Prior to his academic career, he gained industrial exposure as a Production Engineer and Assistant Engineer, which strengthened his practical understanding of manufacturing systems and engineering applications.

Research Timeline & Activities

Dr. Jeyasimman’s research journey began with investigations into aluminum alloy nanocomposites and mechanical alloying during his doctoral studies at NIT Tiruchirappalli. Over the years, his work expanded into wear-resistant composites, welding metallurgy, shape memory alloys, magnesium-based nanocomposites, high-entropy alloys, and battery electrode materials. He has completed multiple funded research projects, secured seven patents, established collaborations with the National University of Singapore and leading industries, supervised doctoral research, served as a reviewer for prestigious journals, and contributed to international conferences, workshops, and faculty development programs.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Jeyasimman has received 17 distinguished awards recognizing his excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and academic leadership. Notable recognitions include the Excellent Academician Award (2026), Research Excellence Award (2024), ISTE-Periyar Award for Best Engineering College Teacher (2023), Faculty of the Year Award (2021), IGIP International Engineering Educator Award from Austria (2020), HOD of the Year Award (2020), and multiple institutional awards for research publications, patent contributions, and academic service.

For a Best Innovator Award nomination, the strengths should emphasize innovation, originality, research impact, technology translation, and societal benefit. Based on the profile and the highlighted work on CuO–BN hybrid nano-enhanced paraffin PCM, the following five strengths can be presented:

1. Pioneering Innovation in Advanced Energy Storage Materials

Prof. Dr. D. Jeyasimman has demonstrated exceptional innovation through the development of a novel hybrid CuO–BN nano-enhanced phase change material (PCM) for thermal energy storage. His research introduced a synergistic combination of copper oxide and boron nitride nanoparticles, achieving simultaneous improvements in thermal conductivity, latent heat storage, specific heat capacity, and thermal stability. This breakthrough represents a significant advancement beyond conventional single-nanoparticle PCM systems.

2. Strong Research and Intellectual Property Contributions

With 58 research publications, 7 patents, 17 awards, and six successfully guided Ph.D. scholars, Dr. Jeyasimman has established a strong record of innovation-driven research. His work spans advanced materials, nanocomposites, powder metallurgy, welding technology, high-entropy alloys, and energy storage materials, demonstrating sustained contributions to scientific knowledge and technological development.

3. Development of Sustainable and High-Impact Technologies

His innovations directly support global sustainability goals by improving energy efficiency and thermal energy management. The enhanced PCM technology can significantly contribute to renewable energy integration, solar thermal storage, waste heat recovery, green buildings, and carbon emission reduction, creating measurable environmental and societal benefits.

4. Excellence in Translational and Application-Oriented Research

Dr. Jeyasimman’s research consistently bridges the gap between laboratory discoveries and industrial applications. His innovations have practical relevance in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, electronics cooling, and thermal energy storage systems. His industrial experience and collaborative projects have enabled the development of technologies with strong commercialization potential.

5. Visionary Academic Leadership and Innovation Ecosystem Development

As Professor and Director (Academic Research), he has played a pivotal role in fostering a culture of innovation, interdisciplinary research, patent generation, and industry collaboration. His leadership has strengthened research infrastructure, promoted technology development, and mentored the next generation of researchers, thereby creating a sustainable ecosystem for innovation and knowledge transfer.

Jeyasimman Duraisamy, Materials Science, Best Innovator Award