IICT, ISRO-VSSC Join Hands To Develop Indigenous Eco-Friendly Blowing Agent Technology

Hyderabad: In a move aimed at boosting India's self-reliance in advanced materials, the city-based Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly develop indigenous next-generation environmentally sustainable technology for blowing agents — used to develop lightweight polymer foams — for strategic applications.

The collaboration will combine IICT's expertise in fluorochemical synthesis and process development with VSSC's application-specific requirements and technical evaluation capabilities. The initiative is expected to reduce India's dependence on imported speciality fluorochemicals.

The MoU was signed in the presence of senior officials from both organisations. The CSIR-IICT delegation was led by its Director Dr D/ Srinivas Reddy, along with Dr Nettem Choudary, distinguished scientist; Dr Pravin Likhar, head, BDRM; and Dr Punna Nagender, Scientist-E.

Dr Srinivas Reddy noted that IICT has developed specialised capabilities in fluorochemical research, including advanced synthesis, process scale-up and safe handling of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (HF), a key component in next-generation fluorochemicals.

VSSC Director and distinguished scientist Dr Rajeev U.P. said CSIR-IICT's Fluoroorganics Laboratory possesses niche R&D expertise and specialised infrastructure required for the safe handling of HF, essential for synthesising environmentally compliant blowing agents.

Project leader Dr Punna Nagender said hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), which have zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and ultra-low global warming potential (GWP), are emerging as the preferred replacement for conventional high-GWP blowing agents. He added that the project would help India develop indigenous HFO technology, reduce import dependence and strengthen the country's capabilities in advanced fluorochemicals.