Academic Building (B3)-Room 150
Department of Material and Mechanical Technology
Faculty of Technology
University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Mahenwatte, Pitipana North
Homagama 10200
Sri Lanka

Email: asangi@sjp.ac.lk

Dr. Asangi Gannoruwa is a dedicated researcher and educator specializing in natural rubber and latex. She earned her BSc. Special Degree in Chemistry from the University of Peradeniya in 2007, followed by an M.Phil. in photochemistry at the Postgraduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya, in 2014. Her research on infrared-sensitive nano-photocatalysts has been published in several indexed journals, contributing to the advancement of the field. In 2015, Dr. Gannoruwa was honored with the prestigious Monbukagakusho (MEXT) scholarship from the Japanese government, enabling her to pursue her PhD at Nagaoka University of Technology. Under the supervision of Prof. Seiichi Kawahara, she focused on filler nanomatrix structures in natural rubber and latex, further enhancing her expertise and research profile. Her accomplishments include receiving the Presidential Award for Scientific Publication in 2016.  Since returning to Sri Lanka in 2018, Dr. Gannoruwa has been a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Materials and Mechanical Technology at the Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. She is committed to fostering innovation in materials science and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of scientists.

Research Keywords:

Filler nano-structures for enhancement of the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of natural rubber, Natural rubber Latex, Rubber Chemistry, Biodegradable polymers, Solar energy conversion into electrical and chemical energies., Nanocatalysts, Fibre-rubber composites

Duration	Position Details
2025- to date	Head, Deaprtment of Materials and Mechanical Technology
2021,2023,2024	Faculty Student Counsellor, Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
2021-2023	Coordinator – Polymer Processing Technology Specialization, Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
2021	Main Coordinator, Organizing committee – First Year Orientation program 2018/19  Batch of Faculty of Technology
2024-to date	Secretary  Technology Faculty Teachers Association 2024-25
2022-2024	Assistant Secretary of   Technology Faculty Teachers Association, 2023-24 & 2022-23
2021-2022	Executive committee member  Technology Faculty Teachers Association 2021-22
2022- to date	Senior Treasure Polymer Technology Association, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
2022-to date	Member of accreditation committee for IESL accreditation in Polymer Processing Technology Specialization.

 

2022-2025

Preparation of Poly(lactic acid)-Natural rubber Nanomatrix at Latex Stage to be Used as a
Compatibilizer for Degradable Wrapping Material

 

Serves as the Principal I. In this project we attempt to prepare a compatibilizer for PLA/natural rubber blend to be used as degradable wrapping materials. The proposed compatibilizer is a PLA nanomatrix structure formed on to natural rubber particles in the latex stage. From the project we hope to find an effective way to produce degradable wrapping material as an alternative to non-degradable polyethylene, polypropylene based wrapping materials which gave rise to a serious environmental crisis.

 

 Research grant number: ASP/01/RE/TEC/2022/64

Degree: M.Phil           Value: 2.79 Million

 

2025- 2027

Development of carbon black dispersed natural rubber in latex stage.

Serves as the Principal Investigator.

A cost effective raw rubber material preparation is investigated by dispersing CB in latex stage. The project aims to address two major issues faced by the rubber industries specifically for tire industry. That is to maximize the carbon black dispersion with smaller particle distribution and avoid the large amount of fly off carbon-black dust during tire manufacturing.

 

Research grant number: RC/URG/TEC/2024/78

Degree: MPhil          Value: 2.46 Million

    2025- 2027

Development Bio Leather from Underutilized Tropical Fruits Waste: A Sustainable and Innovative Leather Alternatives
Serves as the Co-Investigator
.This project focuses on the development of bio-leather from underutilized tropical fruit waste, aiming to create sustainable and innovative alternatives to conventional animal leather. Tropical fruit processing generates significant organic waste, which remains largely untapped despite its rich fibrous and polymeric content. By converting this waste into bio-leather, the project addresses key environmental issues such as pollution, resource depletion, and unethical animal practices. The initiative promotes a circular economy, adding value to agricultural by-products while offering eco-friendly materials for various industries. This sustainable approach not only reduces environmental impact but also supports innovation in green materials and waste management strategies.

Research grant number: RC/URG/TEC/2024/72

Degree: MPhil          Value: 2.4 Million

 

Year	Description
2015-2018	Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship (MEXT) 2015 to pursue Doctor of Engineering.
2016	Presidential Awards for Scientific Publications 2016 by National Research Council of Sri Lanka for the paper “Mechanism and material aspects   of novel nanocomposite photo-catalyst active in infrared radiation for water splitting.” Sci. Technol., 2016, 6, pp479–487. DOI: 10.1039/C5CY01002K.
2015	NRC Merit Awards for Scientific Publication 2014 by National Research Council of Sri Lanka. For the paper entitled “Infrared radiation active, novel nanocomposite photocatalyst for water splitting.”, Int. J hydrogen energy. 2014, 39, pp15411–15415.  DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2014.07.118
2014	Nanometerials and Applications Session’s Best Presentation Award in International conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology – 2014, Colombo Sri Lanka12th – 13th August 2014

Dr. Asangi Gannoruwa’s research focuses on the innovative application of natural rubber and biodegradable materials to address pressing environmental challenges. Her key projects include:

1. Preparation of Poly(lactic acid)-Natural Rubber Nanomatrix at Latex Stage: As the Principal Investigator, Dr. Gannoruwa is developing a compatibilizer for PLA/natural rubber blends aimed at creating degradable wrapping materials. By forming a PLA nanomatrix structure onto natural rubber particles during the latex stage, this project seeks to provide a sustainable alternative to non-degradable polyethylene and polypropylene wrapping materials, thus mitigating environmental impact.
2. Investigation of Carbon Black Dispersed Natural Rubber Raw Material: This project explores cost-effective preparation methods for rubber materials by dispersing carbon black in the latex stage. It aims to enhance carbon black dispersion with smaller particle distribution while minimizing the loss of carbon black dust during tire manufacturing, addressing critical challenges within the rubber industry.
3. Natural Rubber Foam-Based Sound Proofing Materials: Dr. Gannoruwa is investigating the development of natural rubber foam sheets infused with eco-friendly fillers possessing acoustic properties. This research seeks to create effective soundproofing materials that are both sustainable and efficient.
4. Formulations for Foam-Based Products: Various formulations and processes are being examined for foam-based applications, including natural rubber-based bra cups and mattresses utilizing over-mature latex. This work aims to optimize product performance while promoting sustainability.
5. Natural Fiber-Natural Rubber Composite Materials: Her research includes the development of composite materials using natural fibers extracted from agro-waste, such as coir, areca nut husks, sugarcane, and maize, combined with natural rubber latex. These composites serve as sustainable alternatives to non-degradable single-use plastics and polymer materials.
6. Investigation of Natural Rubber-Textile Waste-Based Materials: To tackle the environmental crisis posed by textile waste, Dr. Gannoruwa is investigating the use of textile waste as a filler in natural rubber latex foams. This research aims to improve dimensional stability and other properties of rubber products while preventing textile waste from entering the environment.
7. Encapsulation of rubber additives for latex based products.