1568967
Dr Nadeesha Loku Mannage
Faculty of Science,
School of Chemistry & Physics
Biography
Dr Nadeesha Loku Mannage is a researcher in biomass valorisation with expertise in the development of sustainable bio‑based polymers and materials. She completed her PhD in 2024, with a thesis entitled “Lignin‑Based Polyurethane Foams from Biomass‑Derived 5‑(Chloromethyl)furfural and Furan Derivatives.” Her doctoral research focused on converting renewable biomass‑derived compounds into high‑performance polyurethane foams, contributing to the advancement of sustainable alternatives to petroleum‑based polymers. In recognition of the quality and impact of her doctoral work, Dr Loku Mannage was awarded the Faculty of Science Executive Dean’s Commendation for Outstanding Doctoral Thesis (2024) in May 2025.Dr Loku Mannage’s research interests centre on the valorisation of biomass and industrial by‑products through lignin modification and the development of bio‑polymers for advanced material applications. Her work spans the synthesis and characterisation of bio‑based polymers, adhesive formulation, and bio‑coatings, with a strong emphasis on understanding structure–property relationships and performance. She is particularly interested in translating fundamental research into sustainable materials that support circular economy outcomes in the chemicals and materials sectors.
Dr Loku Mannage is passionate about developing renewable, low‑carbon material solutions and contributing to interdisciplinary collaborations at the interface of chemistry, materials science, and sustainable manufacturing.
Areas of expertise include:
- Biomass valorisation
- Lignin modification and functionalisation
- Bio‑based polymer synthesis and characterisation
- Polyurethane foams and sustainable materials
- Bio‑adhesive preparation and performance evaluation
- Bio‑coatings and structure–property relationships
Personal details
Positions
- Research Assistant
Faculty of Science,
School of Chemistry & Physics
Qualifications
- Doctorate by Research (Queensland University of Technology)
Professional memberships and associations
RACI membership
Teaching
Assistant Lecturer
Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
From February 2018 to March 2019
Publications
Filter publications:
A complete list of publications is available at: https://www.qut.edu.au/about/our-people/academic-profiles/nadeesha.lokumannage