Dr. Gupta  
Rakesh K. Gupta
Ph.D., Delaware
GE Plastics Professor
Joined Faculty in 1991
Phone: (304) 293-2111 ext. 2427
E-Mail: gupta@cemr.wvu.edu


     Dr. Gupta's research is directed mainly at understanding the (non-Newtonian) flow behavior of polymer solutions, polymer melts, solid-in-liquid suspensions and emulsions. In addition to explaining observed phenomena, the knowledge gained is of use in modeling operations used to process these materials. Consequently, one can relate process conditions to structure and the structure to properties. This allows one to engineer materials with enhanced properties. Such an approach has been employed to examine and modify such diverse materials as fiber-reinforced plastics, lubricants, wall joint compounds, thermal grease, ceramic slurries and polymer plastic blends. Current work is related to the recycling of Polymers from end-of-life electronic applications. Rheological methods can also be used for determining the mechanical properties of solid polymers, and these techniques are being employed as non-destructive means of following the phenomenon of material aging. The goal here is to predict the durability of polymeric composites used for infrastructure applications. Also being examined is the role of coupling agents in fiber/martrix adhesive in polymer composites.

Selected Publications

Liang, R. and R.K. Gupta, "Rheological and Mechanical Properties of Recycled Polycarbonate," Soc. Plastics Eng. ANTEC, Orlando, 2903-2907 (2000).

Al-Mulla, A. and R.K. Gupta, "Droplet COalescence in the Shear Flow of Model Emulsions," Rheol. Acta, 39, 20-25 (2000).

Walia, P.S., R.K. Gupta and C.T. Kiang, "Influence of Interchange Reactions on the Crystallization and Melting Behavior of Nylon 6,6 Blended with Other Nylons," Polymer Eng. Sci., 39, 2431-2444 (1999).

Gupta, R.K. and T. Sridhar, "Elongational Rheometers," in Rheological Measurement, 2nd ed., A.A. Collyer and D.W. Clegs (eds.), Chapman & Hall, London, 516-549 (1998).

Plucinski, J. R.K. Gupta and S. CHakrabarti, "Wall Slip of Mayonnaises in Ciscometers," Rheol. Acta, 37, 256-269 (1998).

Kshirsagar, S., R. Lopez-Anido and R.K. Gupta, "Durability of Fiber-Reinforced Composite Wrapping for the Rehabilitation of Concrete Piers," Proc. 1st Int. Cont. on DUrability of Composites for Construction, Sherbrooke, Canada, 81-93 (1998(.

Chimmili, S., D. Doraiswamy and R.K. Gupta, "Shear-Induced Agglomeration of Particulate Suspensions," I&EC Res., 37, 2073-2077 (1998).

Gupta, S.A. and R.K. GUpta, "A parametric Study of Spin Coating over Topography," I&EC Res., 37, 2223-2227 (1998).

Gupta, R.K., "Particulate Suspensions", in S.G. Advani (Ed.), Flow and Rheology in Polymer Composites Manufacturing, Composite Materials Series Volume 10, Elsevier, Amsterdam, 9-51 (1994).

Rajaiah, J., G. Andrews, E. Ruckenstein and R.K. Gupta. "Thermal Conductivity of Concentrated, Sterically-Stabilized Suspensions," Chem. Eng. Sci., 47, 3863-3868 (1992).

Sushumna, I., R.K. Gupta and E. Ruckenstein. "Stable, Highly Concentrated Suspensions for Electronic and Ceramic Materials Applications," J. Mater. Res., 6, 1082-1093 (1991).

Sridhar, T. and R.K. Gupta. "Material Properties of Viscoelastic Liquids in Uniaxial Extension," J. Rheology, 35, 363-377 (1991).

Rastogi, A. and R.K. Gupta. "Lubricant Elasticity and the Performance of Dynamically Loaded Short Journal-Bearings," J. Rheology, 34, 1337-1356 (1990).

Patents

S. Iruvanti, R.K. Gupta and E. Ruckenstein, "Stable, high solids, high thermal conductivity pastes," U.S. Patent 5,098,609 (Issued: March 24, 1992).

Books

"Polymer and Composite Rheology," 2nd Edition, Marcel Dekker, New York, 2000. ISBN # 0-8247-9922-4

"Fundamentals of Polymers," McGraw-Hill, New York, 1997. ISBN # 0-07-025224-6 (with Anil Kumar).