Dr Ashwath Pazhani

Biography

Dr. Ashwath Pazhani is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and internationally recognised researcher in sustainable materials, hydrogen technologies, and advanced manufacturing. He earned his BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering from Karunya University, India, followed by an MSc by Research in Advanced Materials and Manufacturing and a PhD in Aerospace Braking Evaluation on Aluminium Alloy Composites from Vellore Institute of Technology. He later pursued a PGCE (PCET) at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). In 2024, he was endorsed as an Exceptional Talent by the Royal Academy of Engineering under the UK Global Talent route.

Dr. Pazhani’s pioneering research led to the world’s first publication on graphene-reinforced metal matrix composites for liquid hydrogen storage tanks, a major breakthrough for sustainable aerospace and space exploration. He has also co-authored influential reviews on hydrogen embrittlement in high-entropy alloys and contributed to advancing knowledge on hydrogen transport in aluminium–lithium alloys compared with stainless steel. His work integrates sustainability with advanced manufacturing methods, including additive manufacturing and energy-efficient post-processing, addressing urgent Net Zero priorities.

He is the founder of the Group for Innovation in Hydrogen Research and Sustainability and the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Innovation Hub, which foster international collaborations between the UK, India, Europe, and Asia. Through these platforms, he has strengthened global academic and industrial partnerships while also contributing to hydrogen curriculum development and knowledge exchange.

Alongside research, Dr. Pazhani is deeply committed to education and equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). He has supervised PhD and Master’s students from diverse backgrounds, promoted women in STEM, and integrated creativity and innovation into engineering education. 

Qualifications and memberships

BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering – Karunya University, India (2011)

MSc by Research in Advanced Materials and Manufacturing – Vellore Institute of Technology, India (2017)

PhD in Materials and Manufacturing Engineering – Vellore Institute of Technology, India (2021)

Thesis: Aerospace Braking Evaluation on Surface-Processed Aluminium Alloy Composites PGCE (PCET) – University of Wales Trinity Saint David, UK (2022)

Professional Memberships & Recognitions Chartered Engineer (CEng) – UK

Engineering Council Member (MIMechE) – Institution of Mechanical Engineers, UK

Member (MASME) – American Society of Mechanical Engineers, USA Fellow (FHEA) –

Higher Education Academy, UK Endorsed as Exceptional Talent – Royal Academy of Engineering, UK (2024, Global Talent Route)

Academic and research interests

Dr. Ashwath Pazhani’s academic and research interests lie at the intersection of materials engineering, hydrogen technologies, and sustainable manufacturing, with a particular focus on advancing next-generation lightweight composites for aerospace, energy, and transport applications. His expertise spans:

Hydrogen Storage and Transport Materials – Development and evaluation of aluminium–lithium alloys, graphene-reinforced composites, and advanced metal matrix composites for liquid and gaseous hydrogen storage; modelling hydrogen diffusion, permeability, and embrittlement.

Sustainable and Eco-friendly Manufacturing – Application of energy-efficient and novel processing techniques such as additive manufacturing, microwave-assisted post-processing, and micro-technology-based treatments to reduce environmental impact while enhancing material performance.

Composite Materials and Nanotechnology – Investigation of graphene, recycled nanomaterials, and high-entropy alloys for enhanced mechanical and thermal properties, with applications in aerospace structures and hydrogen infrastructure.

Hydrogen Embrittlement and Structural Integrity – Modelling, simulation, and experimental assessment of hydrogen-induced degradation, including embrittlement risk indices, life cycle assessment, and performance at cryogenic conditions.

STEM Education and Research-Led Teaching – Integration of creativity, sustainability, and innovation into mechanical and materials engineering curricula; fostering transnational education partnerships; and promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) through mentoring of underrepresented students.

As a PhD supervisor, Dr. Pazhani is particularly interested in projects that combine materials development, experimental validation, and computational modelling to address global Net Zero challenges. He welcomes collaborations with students keen to explore hydrogen storage technologies, sustainable composites and advanced manufacturing processes.

Publications

Recent Publications on Hydrogen Technologies

Pazhani, A., Batako, A., Xavior, M.A., & Patel, A. (2024). Innovation in sustainable composite research: Investigating graphene-reinforced MMCs for liquid hydrogen storage tanks in aerospace and space exploration. Journal of Composite Materials.

Pazhani, A., Xavior, M.A., Margret, P., Batako, A., Balaji, V., Jeyapandiarajan, P., Joel, J., & Anbalagan, A. (2024). Mitigating hydrogen embrittlement in high-entropy alloys for next-generation hydrogen storage systems: A review. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy.

Venkat, V., Xavior, M.A., & Pazhani, A. (2024). Materials development for hydrogen storage: A study on advanced composites. Materials Today: Proceedings. Recent Publications on Advanced Materials and Manufacturing

Pazhani, A., Batako, A., & Xavior, M.A. (2023). Advanced manufacturing of aluminium–lithium alloy composites reinforced with graphene for aerospace applications. Proceedings of the ICAMM Conference on Advanced Materials and Manufacturing.

Pazhani, A., & Xavior, M.A. (2022). Surface-processed aluminium alloy composites for aerospace braking applications. Materials Research Express.

Pazhani, A., et al. (2021). Tribological behaviour of hybrid aluminium composites reinforced with solid lubricants. Journal of Materials Research and Technology.

Pazhani, A., et al. (2020). Processing and performance of eco-friendly aluminium composites developed using recycled reinforcements. Materials Today: Proceedings.

‪Dr Ashwath Pazhani‬ - ‪Google Scholar‬

International Conferences (Hydrogen & Advanced Materials)

Global Congress on Manufacturing and Management (GCMM 2022, New Zealand; 2023, Malaysia) – Delivered technical/keynote sessions on graphene-reinforced composites for hydrogen storage and energy-efficient additive manufacturing.

Third International Conference on Advanced Nanomaterials for Energy, Environment, and Healthcare Applications (ANEH 2024, India/UK, jointly organised by Heriot-Watt University and VIT) – Invited talk on sustainable materials processing and hydrogen storage technologies.

Workshops & Research Forums (Organiser/Co-organiser)

AM2030 International Workshop – Co-organiser of an interdisciplinary workshop on advanced materials and manufacturing (250+ participants).

AI Hydrogen X Workshop – Led sessions on AI-driven hydrogen materials research, risk modelling, and sustainable design.

Advanced Materials Characterization Workshop – Delivered sessions on innovative testing methodologies including in-situ hydrogen environment studies.

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