Ajith K. A. Gedara

A material scientist with 5+ years of research and development experience in bio-based adhesives, bio-composites and applied nanotechnology. Hands-on experience in composite sample preparing, testing and characterisations. Sound knowledge and experience in manufacturing, testing and validating laboratory and industrial-scale samples of novel materials towards net-zero.

Development of vegan leather type biodegradable packaging materials

• Identifying and extracting raw materials for vegan leather type biodegradable packaging materials.
• Developing, testing and analysing mechanical, physical and surface properties.
• Designing, developing and manufacturing final products.
• Validating final products for their sustainability. 

Validation of a novel material made by recycled particles of wind turbine blades

• Collaborated with two other UK Universities in the project.
• Analysed material’s mechanical, surface and physical changes over time. 
• Identified defects on planks and beams and found alternative ways to overcome them.
• Carried out property comparison studies with similar materials. 
• Reported the outcome, progress and issues to the funded body. 

Development of skin-like stretchable transparent pressure sensor

• Planned the experiments for the allocated time frame.
• Designed a methodology framework to achieve the desired outcome.
• Built prototype samples and tested them in laboratories for validation.
• Analysed results statistically to identify optimal samples (Taguchi DOE with Mintab16).
• Developed a novel stretchable, transparent skin-like pressure sensor for medical and health applications. 
• products and overseeing factory production tests and quality.

Validation of Innovative Binder Solution for Wooden Circular Design Products

• Developed two formulations for bio-adhesive, biopolymer binding solutions. 
• Enhanced the mechanical and physical properties of the adhesive formulations. 
• Prepared laboratory and industrial-scale wood particleboard samples.
• Tested mechanical and physical properties against industrial standards.
• Came up with a list of recommendations for wood-based panel industries.

PhD in Manufacturing Engineering  |  Cranfield University, UK | 2017 - 2021
Master’s in Applied Nanotechnology  |  Cranfield University, UK  |  2016 - 2017
Pre-Master’s in Engineering  |  Cranfield University, UK  |  2014 - 2015