ഡോ രാജൻ ടി പി ഡി
- ഡോ രാജൻ ടി പി ഡി
- ചീഫ് സയന്റിസ്റ്റ്
- tpdrajan@niist.res.in
- 0471-2515327
- +919447035439
Dr. T. P. D. Rajan is a senior materials scientist at the CSIR–National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, and a distinguished metallurgist specializing in advanced metallic materials and manufacturing technologies. His work focuses particularly on lightweight, strategic, and critical materials. His research interests encompass aluminium alloys, metal matrix composites, functionally graded materials, rare earth metals, surface coating technologies, and product development for the aerospace, automotive, defence, and energy sectors. He has made notable contributions to national initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India through the development of indigenous technologies for strategic applications. In addition to his research, he serves as the Head of the Human Resource and Academic Division (HRAD) at the institute. Dr. Rajan earned his Ph.D. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from CSIR–NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram, in 2002, and his M.Tech. in Process Metallurgy from the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal, in 1996. He also gained early professional experience as a project trainee at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (ISRO), Thiruvananthapuram, and as an industrial trainee at the Bhilai Steel Plant. He has received numerous prestigious awards in recognition of his contributions to metallurgy and materials science. These include the National Metallurgist Award (2023) from the Ministry of Steel, Government of India, for his outstanding work in developing lightweight aluminium alloys, composites, and functionally graded materials for aerospace, automotive, and defence applications. Other honours include the Award for Excellence in Corrosion Science and Technology from NACE International (2018), the IIM Nalco Gold Medal from the Indian Institute of Metals (2015), the Chandran Menon Memorial Award from the Institute of Indian Foundrymen (2015), the IIF Industry Research Award (2009), the INAE Innovation Award for the best doctoral thesis in engineering (2003), and the Soli- Commissariat Award. He has also been recognized among the world’s top 2% scientists in
Materials Science by Stanford University and Elsevier (2025). As principal investigator of several research and development programmes, Dr. Rajan has led the indigenous development of advanced materials and components for strategic sectors. His contributions include aluminium–silicon carbide metal matrix composite thermal management materials for light combat aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles, developed in collaboration with the Aeronautical Development Establishment (DRDO). He has also developed lightweight Al–Mg–Sc alloys and associated sheet processing technologies for aircraft, launch vehicles, and naval systems, successfully transferring these
technologies to Indian industry. His work extends to the development of aluminium composite components such as gear housings, piston rings, and functionally graded armour plates for battle tanks in collaboration with the Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE). He has contributed to space applications through the development of aluminium alloys and copper-coated epoxy–carbon composites for radio frequency reflector antennas in
collaboration with ISRO, and to nuclear applications through boron carbide–reinforced aluminium composites for neutron shielding in association with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.
Dr. Rajan has also established an industry-sponsored Centre of Excellence for Lightweight Material Technologies at CSIR–NIIST, supported by ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India Limited. His international collaborations include work with RWTH Aachen University, Germany, on carbon fibre–reinforced aluminium composites under a project funded by the Indo-German Science and Technology Centre. In partnership with automotive industries, he has developed a range of advanced components, including functionally graded brake rotor discs, hybrid cylinder liners, scroll compressor components, squeeze-cast compressor heads, and manifolds. Additionally, he has developed wear-
resistant, self-lubricating, and anti-corrosive smart coatings for aluminium alloy structures and components. He has published about 170 technical papers (journals/proceedings), 15 Book Chapter and filed 3 patents. Guided 15 Ph.Ds., 45 M.Tech./ M.Sc. theses and currently guiding 5 Ph.D. students. He is life member of various professional bodies and currently Chairman of The Indian Institute of Metals, Trivandrum Chapter, Vice-Chairman of The Institute of Indian Foundrymen, Kerala Chapter and former Chairman of the Materials Research Society of India, Trivandrum Chapter.