The CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad, and the Indian Space Research Organisation’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) have joined hands to develop indigenous technology for next-generation, environmentally sustainable blowing agents for advanced strategic applications.
The collaboration combines CSIR-IICT’s expertise in fluorochemical synthesis and process development with VSSC’s application-specific requirements and technical evaluation capabilities to create an indigenous, eco-friendly blowing agent technology.
IICT project leader Punna Nagender said HydroFluoro-Olefins (HFOs) represent the next generation of environmentally sustainable fluorochemicals. With zero Ozone Depletion Potential and ultra-low Global Warming Potential (GWP), HFO-based blowing agents are increasingly replacing conventional high-GWP alternatives across industries. He said the global shift to HFOs is being driven by stricter environmental regulations and growing demand for sustainable, high-performance materials.
IICT director D. Srinivas Reddy said the institute has established unique capabilities in fluorochemical research, including advanced fluorochemical synthesis, process development, scale-up and specialised infrastructure for the safe handling of anhydrous Hydrogen Fluoride (HF), a key enabling technology for next-generation fluorochemicals.
The collaboration would accelerate the development of indigenous blowing agent technology and reduce India’s dependence on imported specialty fluorochemicals, he said.
VSSC director Rajeev U.P. noted that the Fluoroorganics Laboratory at IICT possesses niche research and development capabilities and specialised infrastructure for the safe handling of anhydrous HF, which is critical for synthesising next-generation environmentally compliant blowing agents.
Such specialised expertise is available only in a handful of laboratories, he said, adding that the collaborative programme is expected to progress successfully towards commercialisation with the technical support and process development expertise of IICT.
A memorandum of understanding formalising the collaboration was signed by the directors of both institutions at VSSC, Thiruvananthapuram, recently. The agreement marks the beginning of a strategic research programme between the two premier national institutions aimed at advancing indigenous technologies.
The IICT team included distinguished scientists Nettem Choudary and Pravin Likhar, while the VSSC team comprised scientist Nallaperumal A.M. and other researchers, informed a press release on Tuesday.
Published - July 21, 2026 07:04 pm IST