AMPP awards Avik Samanta 2026 seed grant for PFAS-free corrosion research

AMPP has named University of South Florida assistant professor Avik Samanta, Ph.D., as the 2026 recipient of its Dr. A. John Sedriks Seed Grant. The $38,000 award will support research into PFAS-free, self-healing metal surfaces designed to restore corrosion resistance after damage.

Why it matters: - The $38,000 award backs early-stage corrosion research that could lead to more durable materials and less reliance on PFAS-based surface treatments. - Samanta’s project targets a practical materials problem: keeping metal surfaces resistant to corrosion even after mechanical damage. - The grant is intended to help researchers generate preliminary data for larger federally funded projects.

What happened: - AMPP named Avik Samanta, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the University of South Florida’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, as the 2026 recipient of the Dr. A. John Sedriks Seed Grant. - Samanta’s proposal is titled “Laser-Textured, Thermally Healable PFAS-Free Superhydrophobic Metal Alloy Surfaces for Durable Corrosion Protection.” - AMPP announced the award on July 23, 2026.

The details: - The research focuses on sustainable, PFAS-free self-healing surfaces that can restore corrosion resistance after mechanical damage. - The project will study the fundamental mechanisms of self-healing on laser-fabricated surfaces. - The team will use the award to generate preliminary data for larger research bids. - The Dr. A. John Sedriks Seed Grant supports early-stage work in corrosion, coatings, degradation and related fields. - Raghu Srinivasan, Ph.D., chair of AMPP’s Research Society Leadership Council, said this year’s solicitation drew an exceptionally strong international pool of proposals. - Srinivasan said Samanta’s proposal reflects the grant’s goal of supporting bold ideas in corrosion research and materials protection. - Srinivasan also said the proposal addresses a significant corrosion challenge through sustainable materials and advanced surface engineering. - Samanta said the award will help his team develop PFAS-free, self-healing surfaces for engineering materials used in demanding environments. - Samanta said he hopes the research will translate into practical technologies that benefit industry, strengthen infrastructure and inspire future engineers and scientists.

Between the lines: - AMPP is signaling continued interest in research that blends corrosion science with sustainability goals. - The focus on PFAS-free surfaces reflects wider pressure to find alternatives to persistent chemicals in materials applications. - The grant also serves as a pipeline tool, helping early-career researchers move from lab concepts to larger-scale funding. - The award links current research to the legacy of Dr. A. John Sedriks, whose work helped shape modern corrosion science and the NACE Seed Grant Program.

What's next: - Samanta’s team will begin investigating self-healing behavior on laser-textured surfaces and building preliminary results. - Those results could support future applications for federal research funding. - AMPP directs readers to its Seed Grant webpage for more information. - AMPP also maintains a list of past Seed Grant recipients. - More about the University of South Florida’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is available on the department’s website.

The bottom line: - AMPP is funding research that could make corrosion protection more durable, more sustainable and easier to scale.