Madhan Kumar Anbazhagan | Polymer Material | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Madhan Kumar Anbazhagan | Polymer Material | Research Excellence Award

Assistant Professor – Senior Grade at Saveetha Engineering College| India 

Dr. A. Madhan Kumar is a distinguished researcher in mechanical and manufacturing engineering whose contributions to composite materials, machining studies, microstructural analysis, and mechanical characterization demonstrate strong alignment with the objectives of the Research Excellence Award. With a Scopus record of 74 citations, 9 indexed documents, and an h-index of 6, his research impact is evident across advanced manufacturing science and sustainable materials development. His work spans high-performance biocomposites, nanocomposites, lattice-structured materials, PLA-based green composites, and AI-driven engineering applications, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach that significantly advances materials engineering. His publications in leading journals such as the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Science Progress, Journal of Environmental Protection and Ecology, Springer Nature, Journal of Polymer Composites, and Materials: Design and Applications highlight his commitment to high-quality, peer-reviewed research. He has contributed to innovations including nanoparticle-enhanced biodiesel combustion, biocomposite packaging materials, 3D-printed carbon-fiber-reinforced structures, and machine-learning-driven analytics, showcasing both scientific rigor and societal relevance. His patents and ongoing contributions to composite machining, biodegradable material reinforcement, and performance characterization further enhance his research profile. Dr. Kumar’s extensive publication record, impactful citations, and continued engagement in emerging domains-such as AI-integrated materials research and environmentally conscious composite development-position him as a strong candidate for the Research Excellence Award, demonstrating consistent innovation, scholarly excellence, and meaningful contributions to engineering advancement.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

100

75

50

25

0

Citations
74

Documents
9

h-index
6

Citations
Documents
h-index

Featured Publications

Drilling Studies on Particle Board Composite Using HSS Twist Drill and Spade Drill

Materials Today Proceedings 5 (8), 16346–16351   |   Cited by 33   |   2018

Crushing Behavior Optimization of Octagonal Lattice-Structured Thin-Walled 3D Printed CF/PETG Composite Tubes

Journal of Polymer Composites   |   Cited by 26   |   2023

Mechanical and Drilling Characterization of Biodegradable PLA Particulate Green Composites

Journal of The Chinese Institute of Engineers 45 (3), 1–16   |   Cited by 17   |   2022

Feasibility of Joining Techniques for 3D-Printed Polylactic Acid and Wood-Reinforced PLA Biocomposites

Proc. IMechE Part L: Journal of Materials: Design and Applications   |   Cited by 10   |   2023

Enhancing the Performance of PLA Reinforced with Sawdust, Rice Husk, and Bagasse Particles

Journal of Polymer Materials 39 (3–4), 269–281   |   Cited by 9   |   2023

Georgia Lainioti | Polymeric Membranes | Editorial Board Member

Dr. Georgia Lainioti | Polymeric Membranes | Editorial Board Member

Laboratory Teaching Staff at University of Patras | Greece

Dr. Georgia Lainioti is an accomplished chemist whose research expertise spans polymer science, nanotechnology, antimicrobial materials, and functional coatings, with a strong record of contributions to food packaging, water treatment, flame-retardant materials, and environmentally sustainable polymeric systems. Her work focuses on the synthesis of polymeric nanostructures through emulsion polymerization, the development of hybrid organic–inorganic materials, preparation of membranes incorporating carbon nanotubes, and design of biocidal or antimicrobial coatings for marine, biomedical, and packaging applications. She has contributed significantly to advancing polymer-based systems with controlled release properties, pH-responsive behavior, smart hydrogel formation, and innovative gas-separation and antifouling membranes. Her research also includes physicochemical analysis of polymers, development of polymer blends, and creation of bioactive films enriched with antioxidant and antimicrobial agents for next-generation food packaging. Dr. Lainioti has participated in numerous major EU and national research projects, contributing to high-impact developments in sustainable materials and advanced functional polymers. She has authored 32 indexed publications, achieved 492 citations, and holds an h-index of 14 according to her Scopus profile, demonstrating her recognized influence in materials chemistry and applied polymer research. She also has extensive scientific dissemination activity through international conferences and serves as a reviewer for multiple high-impact journals in polymers, nanomaterials, and biofouling research. Her comprehensive expertise in polymer synthesis, advanced materials characterization, and application-driven material development positions her as a strong candidate for roles such as Editorial Board Member in journals related to polymer science, materials engineering, or functional materials.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Druvari, D., Koromilas, N. D., Lainioti, G. C., Bokias, G., Vasilopoulos, G., & Kallitsis, J. K. (2016). Polymeric quaternary ammonium-containing coatings with potential dual contact-based and release-based antimicrobial activity. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. Cited by: 87

Bounos, G., Andrikopoulos, K. S., Moschopoulou, H., Lainioti, G. C., Roilo, D., Ioannides, T., & Kallitsis, J. K. (2017). Enhancing water vapor permeability in mixed matrix polypropylene membranes through carbon nanotubes dispersion. Journal of Membrane Science. Cited by: 54

Koromilas, N. D., Lainioti, G. C., Oikonomou, E. K., Bokias, G., & Kallitsis, J. K. (2014). Synthesis and self-association in dilute aqueous solution of hydrophobically modified polycations and polyampholytes based on 4-vinylbenzyl chloride. European Polymer Journal. Cited by: 53

Kougia, E., Tselepi, M., Vasilopoulos, G., Lainioti, G. C., Koromilas, N. D., Bokias, G., & Vantarakis, A. (2015). Evaluation of antimicrobial efficiency of new polymers comprised by covalently attached and/or electrostatically bound bacteriostatic species, based on quaternary ammonium compounds. Molecules. Cited by: 42

Lainioti, G. C., Bounos, G., Voyiatzis, G. A., & Kallitsis, J. K. (2016). Enhanced water vapor transmission through porous membranes based on melt blending of polystyrene sulfonate with polyethylene copolymers and their CNT nanocomposites. Polymers. Cited by: 33

Somayeh Sharafi Zamir | Biopolymers | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Somayeh Sharafi Zamir | Biopolymers | Best Researcher Award

Scientist at UWMadison, United states

Farnaz Sharafi is a dedicated polymer scientist with deep expertise in rheology, polymer processing, and the characterization of advanced materials. Her work lies at the intersection of scientific innovation and sustainable application, where she leverages her knowledge to improve material performance and optimize production processes. With a strong foundation in polymer formulation, she specializes in the development of recyclable, biodegradable, and high-performance materials for flexible packaging, coatings, and thermal applications. Her technical acumen is complemented by effective communication and collaboration with academic and industrial stakeholders, enabling the translation of laboratory research into scalable solutions across various sectors.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Sharafi’s academic journey reflects a strong commitment to materials innovation, starting with a Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Isfahan, Iran (2008–2011), where she investigated the use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in cement reinforcement. She then pursued her Master’s in the same discipline (2011–2013), exploring microstructural and phase analysis in Cordierite-Si₃N₄ composites. Her doctoral studies in Chemical Engineering at the University of Sherbrooke, Canada (2015–2020), focused on polylactic acid (PLA)/starch nanocrystal nanocomposites. Her thesis addressed key areas such as crystallinity, gas permeability, and biodegradability, laying the foundation for a career focused on eco-design and sustainable polymer systems.

Experience

Her professional trajectory began as a Research Assistant at the University de Sherbrooke (2011–2013), where she designed and characterized starch nanocrystals (SNCs) for food packaging, advancing green chemistry applications in biodegradable polymers. She subsequently joined Polytechnique de Montréal as a Research Fellow (2020–2021), where she led the development of antiviral food packaging during the COVID-19 pandemic—efforts that culminated in a patent. At McGill University (2021–2022), Sharafi worked on green pigment synthesis using cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) for cosmetic applications. Her industrial experience includes a tenure as a Polymer Scientist at C-Therm in New Brunswick (2022–2023), where she led R&D projects on thermal properties of polymer nanocomposites and advanced characterization techniques. Since 2023, she has served as a Research and Development Scientist at Polytechnique de Montréal, where she leads the creation of sustainable, multilayer polymer structures, with a focus on returnable and compostable packaging technologies.

Research

Sharafi’s research interests span polymer nanocomposites, thermal and mechanical analysis, biobased materials, and smart packaging systems. She is particularly focused on understanding viscoelastic behavior and tailoring material properties through rheological, structural, and thermal characterization. She applies these insights to develop smart, active, and intelligent polymer systems that improve mechanical integrity, extend shelf-life, and offer functional advantages for industrial applications. Her work in electrospinning, reactive extrusion, and solution casting has supported innovation in antimicrobial packaging, thermally conductive films, and biopolymer reinforcement.

Awards

Throughout her career, she has been honored with several prestigious awards, including a research grant from the Centre québécois des matériaux fonctionnels (CQMF) funded by the Fonds de Recherche du Québec – Nature et Technologie (2013–2016), and a Mitacs Research Fellowship (2022–2023). She also received the Best Student Research Award from the Iran Nanotechnology International Council, recognizing her outstanding contributions to sustainable polymer science.

Publications

Sharafi has published in several high-impact journals, with her research drawing attention in both academic and industrial communities. Notable publications include:

  1. Sharafi, F., et al. (2023). “Enhanced Thermal Conductivity of Nanocellulose–CNT Composites for Sustainable Packaging.” Journal of Applied Polymer Science. [Cited by 12 articles]
  2. Sharafi, F., et al. (2022). “Green Pigment Production from Cellulose Nanocrystals for Cosmetic Applications.” ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. [Cited by 8 articles]
  3. Sharafi, F., et al. (2021). “Antiviral Packaging Film Development for Food Safety Applications.” Food Packaging and Shelf Life. [Cited by 15 articles]
  4. Sharafi, F., et al. (2020). “Biodegradability and Barrier Properties of PLA–Starch Nanocrystal Composites.” Polymer Degradation and Stability. [Cited by 20 articles]
  5. Sharafi, F., et al. (2018). “Thermomechanical Properties of Recycled LDPE Nanocomposites.” Journal of Polymers and the Environment. [Cited by 9 articles]
  6. Sharafi, F., et al. (2017). “Effect of CNC Content on PLA Packaging Films.” Carbohydrate Polymers. [Cited by 11 articles]
  7. Sharafi, F., et al. (2016). “Green Synthesis of SNCs and their Use in Biodegradable Polymers.” International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. [Cited by 14 articles]

Conclusion

In conclusion, Farnaz Sharafi exemplifies a scientist with a vision for sustainable materials innovation. Her interdisciplinary research blends fundamental science with real-world applications, and her contributions to biopolymer packaging, pigment engineering, and nanocomposite design demonstrate both technical excellence and societal relevance. With extensive experience across academia and industry, she remains committed to advancing sustainable solutions through collaborative, high-impact research and development. Her career continues to bridge material science innovation with environmental responsibility, positioning her as a nominee of merit for awards in the field of polymer science and green technology.