Polymer Nanocomposite

Polymer nanocomposite has been developed by the researchers from Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru.
This innovative product is designed for energy harvesting and pressure sensing applications.
A prototype of a road safety sensor has been introduced using this material.

The primary components of the polymer nanocomposite are vanadium disulfide (VS2) nanoparticles and polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF).
Energy Harvesting: Energy produced through the piezoelectric effect can be stored and later utilised to power electronic devices.
Smart Applications: The technology can be employed to create road safety sensors that can alert vehicles of dangerous turns or hazard areas.

The polymer nanocomposite presents a ground-breaking advancement for sustainable and flexible energy generation.
The implementation of this technology in road safety could significantly decrease accident rates by providing real-time alerts at dangerous intersections.
The technology can also pave the way for future advanced wearable technologies and other self-powered devices. It may have significant implications for sectors like artificial intelligence and automation.
VS2, due to its high surface charge properties, amplifies the piezoelectric effect of PVDF, which is a piezoelectric polymer.

The nanocomposite exhibits exceptional flexibility and durability, crucial for pressure sensing applications.
It also has the capability to generate electricity by converting mechanical pressure into electrical energy via the piezoelectric effect.

The development of this nanocomposite is part of a research endeavour by Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru.
Financial support is provided under the INSPIRE faculty fellowship programme by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), India.

Self-Power Source: The nanocomposite has the ability to generate energy through pressure,

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India has successfully conducted three flight tests for the fourth-generation Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS).
These tests took place at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges situated in Rajasthan, India.

VSHORADS is a fourth-generation Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) of a very short-range kind.
The air defence system has been indigenously developed by the DRDO's Research Centre Imarat (RCI) located in Hyderabad along with collaborations with other DRDO laboratories and industry partners.
The system has been devised to counter low-altitude aerial threats, such as helicopters and low-flying aircraft.
It has the potential of engaging targets within a range of up to 6 kilometres.

Incorporation of a dual-band IIR seeker to ensure precise tracking and targeting of aerial threats.
A miniaturised reaction control system has been incorporated to enhance the system’s missile manoeuvrability.
The system is also equipped with integrated avionics which provides advanced target recognition and control.
It is powered by a dual-thrust solid motor for fast response times and quick interception of threats.
Designed for maximum portability, it's lightweight and can be easily deployed over difficult terrains.

The VSHORADS system has demonstrated its ability to efficiently hit high-speed targets in various scenarios - whether the target is approaching, receding, or crossing.
The system has completed its trials with production agencies engaged, which paves the way for initial user trial runs and mass production.

The successful development and testing of VSHORADS mark a significant advancement in India's indigenous military technology.
It enhances the country's air defence capabilities by providing a quick response system to counter low-altitude aerial threats.
Its portability ensures quick deployment in challenging terrains, adding strategic depth to defence preparedness.
The system also significantly contributes to the ongoing 'Make in India' initiative by consolidating domestic defence capabilities.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is broadening its horizons by constructing a third launch pad at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
The goal of this project is to support new technologies like the New Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), adding redundancy for strategic missions, and amplifying possibilities for future space expeditions.

ISRO currently has two launch pads at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
The First Launch Pad (FLP) was constructed specifically for the launch of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLV).
The Second Launch Pad (SLP) supports the launch of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3).

The third launch pad serves as a redundant system. It safeguards against any interruptions in GSLV launches if complications occur at the second launch pad.
The new pad has been designed to facilitate horizontal integration for NGLV. This focuses on assembly of liquid engine boosters, thereby enhancing the process's efficiency.
The third pad will significantly increase payload capacity. It will support NGLV’s greater payloads of up to 20 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and
9 tonnes to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). This represents an improvement on the current vehicle capabilities.
It will also include a facility for integrated stage testing directly at the pad, a departure from prior setups at Mahendragiri, resulting in more streamlined operations.

The establishment of a third launch pad puts ISRO in a prime position to accommodate newer space technologies, paving the way for more ambitious space missions.
It significantly increases India's capacity for space exploration and opens up new opportunities for international collaborations in space exploration.
This reinforces India's position as a major player in the global space research community and will contribute significantly to extending the boundaries of human knowledge about space.