The Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted the Professorial Inaugural Lecture of Professor Mohan Turup Pandurangan, who is a Department of Higher Education (DHET) South Africa (SA) fellow of the Future Professors Programme 2023-2024 and a National Research Foundation (NRF) C3 rated researcher. The inaugural lecture took place at the DUT Hotel School in Ritson Campus on Wednesday, 17 April 2024.
The Programme Director for the evening was the Head of Department: Mechanical Engineering, Professor Rendani Maladzhi, who extended a warm welcome to the Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Dr Azwitevhelwi Nevhutalu, Acting Executive Dean: Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Professor Sudesh Rathilal, Acting Deputy Dean: Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Dr Nomcebo Mthombeni, esteemed guests, DUT academics, support staff and Prof Mohan’s family and friends.
Delivering the opening and welcome remarks was Professor Fulufhelo Netswera, Executive Dean: Faculty of Management Sciences at DUT. He applauded Prof Mohan for his hard work and dedication since 2009 when he joined DUT. He revealed that Prof Mohan was the first Professor awardee from being a Senior Lecturer. Prof Netswera indicated that Prof Mohan’s journey exemplifies the core values of DUT, with his focus on innovative research and striving for academic excellence. He feels Prof Mohan’s work is in line with DUT’s commitment to environmental sustainability and technological advancement.
Giving insight into the person behind the professorship was the Executive Dean: Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Professor Sudesh Rathilal.
He shared that Prof Mohan had obtained three prestigious postdoctoral fellowships, namely the National Research Foundation (SA) postdoctoral fellowship, Claude Leon Foundation postdoctoral fellowship and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) (SA) postdoctoral fellowships. He explained that his research field is in the biocomposites, biopolymers and their applications primarily in automotive, aerospace, textile, construction and chemical industries. He further shared that Prof Mohan’s research work focused towards developing eco-friendly composite materials with an objective of sustainable environmental growth, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, biodegradability, green economy and finding engineering applications of these materials.
He also extended his heartfelt congratulations to Prof Mohan on his well-deserved promotion to the esteemed rank of full professor.
“Your exemplary teaching, ground-breaking research, and impactful service to the academic community have undoubtedly left an indelible mark, inspiring those around you and enriching the intellectual landscape of DUT. Your promotion serves as a source of inspiration and pride to all of us,” he stated.
It was then the time for Prof Mohan to give an overview of his topic of his lecture titled: In search of eco-friendly composite materials: opportunities and challenges. Prof Mohan gave context on his topic of discussion, explaining that his presentation details his research contribution to biocomposite materials.
“Physical, thermal and mechanical properties of all the constituents of biocomposite, namely, matrix, micro/nano fillers, fibers and fiber/filler-matrix adhesion were enhanced by our novel physical and chemical surface modification methods. The structure-property relationships are evaluated in detail,” he said.
He further explained that processing of these materials in the form of fibers, films, sheets and panels for various applications is presented and that the opportunities and challenges of these materials in engineering applications and green economy is also discussed.
Professor Mohan gave insight into the background, the journey into his research, the academic journey to South Africa from 2009 to present day, his postdoctoral research, contribution to ‘biocomposites’ research as well as the current and future research.
He gave context into the definition of a composite material, to explaining the transmission of electron microscopy (TEM) of epoxy-clay nanocomposites, the relationship between toughness and modules on nanoclay particle reinforcement in epoxy polymer, as well as the phase models and validation.
In his journey to South Africa from 2009 to present day, Prof Mohan explained more on his postdoctoral research and his contribution to ‘biocomposites’ research.
“My objective is to enhance my research experience and capabilities, local industrial collaboration and be trained with advanced composite materials. Also, to understand processing, analysis, and application of these advanced composites,” he said.
Professor Mohan spoke on his global call on controlling Greenhouse gas emission, the need to improve recycling, reducing air pollution, the promotion of usage of non-fossil-based materials and on eco-friendly materials for synthetic plastics and polymers.
Going forward, Prof Mohan gave insight into the current and future planned in five years which will investigate protein based natural materials such as soybean oil, plant oil extracts, natural silk, green nanofillers and nanoparticles, 4IR applications/3D printed structures, biocomposites for energy storage and renewable energy; and the theoretical framework on biocomposites properties and structures, to name a few.
Prof Mohan received many congratulatory messages, especially from his mentor and supervisor, DUT’s Prof Krishnan Kanny. Prof Kanny said he is absolutely thrilled to extend his heartiest congratulations to him on achieving the prestigious award of becoming a full professor.
“This is indeed a wonderful testament to your perseverance, dedication, and your many contributions to academia. Reflecting on the journey we have shared of over more than the past 12 years, from your tenure as my postdoctoral fellow at DUT to this momentous achievement, fills me with immense pride. Your commitment to excellence, coupled with your passion for research and teaching, has undoubtedly paved the way for this well-deserved recognition,” he said.
He added that he hopes this achievement will be the beginning of even greater successes and fulfilment in his career.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning (Interim) at DUT, Dr Azwitevhelwi Nevhutalu concluded the event by delivering the vote of thanks. He congratulated Prof Mohan for his hard work and achieving the highest honour at DUT. He expressed that the celebration was unique as it is only for the select few.
“We are extremely proud of you. You are achieving the highest honour because of your work. This is after several people in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment and DUT looked at your work and agreed that it has incredible impact in our society,’ said Dr Nevhutalu.
He thanked Prof Mohan’s wife for her support in his academic journey. He then turned to Prof Mohan thanking him for choosing to work at DUT.
“Through you, we will become an impactful university. We are extremely grateful for your hard work which we are now benefiting from it. For me, you are a true inspiration, coming from a Senior Lecture to a Full Professor. We appreciate your passion about the things that matter in our everyday life,” said Dr Nevhtalu, who also expressed his appreciation to Prof Kanny for nurturing Prof Mohan over the years.
Pictured: Professor Mohan Turup Pandurangan at his Profesorial Inaugural Lecture.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile
Simangele Zuma/Waheeda Peters
