Prakalathan | Polymer Science | Technology Advancement Award

Dr. Prakalathan, Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology, Madurai, India.

Dr. K. Prakalathan

is the Director and Head of CIPET, Madurai. With over 24 years of experience at CIPET across multiple campuses, he is a leading figure in polymer science and technology. His expertise spans polymer composites, biopolymers, and biomedical waste management. An accomplished researcher, Dr. Prakalathan has published in international journals and presented at conferences globally. He has guided numerous postgraduate and doctoral scholars, coordinated 424 workshops, and represented India in international forums on plastics. His educational journey includes M.Sc., M.Tech., and a Ph.D. in Polymer Science.

Publication profile

Orcid

Scopus

Education and Experience

M.Sc. (Chemistry): School of Chemistry, Madurai Kamaraj University
M.Tech. (Polymer Technology): CUSAT, Cochin
Ph.D. (Chemistry – Polymer Science): Utkal University, Bhubaneswar
CIPET Experience: 24 years across Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, and Madurai campuses
Professional Experience:
- Research Associate, Bamboo Board Factory, Kerala (10 months)
- Lecturer, Cochin University of Science and Technology (4 months)
International Visits: Represented India at ISO/TC 61 meetings in South Korea, Japan, and Sweden

Suitability For The Award

Dr. K. Prakalathan, Director and Head of CIPET Madurai, is a trailblazer in polymer science and technology with over 24 years of experience in advancing polymer materials and their applications. His expertise in polymeric materials, biopolymers, composites, and biomedical waste management has driven technological innovation and sustainability. Dr. Prakalathan’s contributions to polymer research, education, and international collaborations make him an ideal candidate for the Technology Advancement Award.

Professional Development

Dr. K. Prakalathan

has an extensive professional development portfolio, including organizing and conducting 424 workshops and courses at CIPET. He has led training sessions on cutting-edge polymeric material technologies and testing methods. A global representative for India in the field of plastics, Dr. Prakalathan has visited countries like the USA, South Korea, Japan, and Sweden for advanced training and international standards discussions. His dedication to education is reflected in mentoring postgraduate and doctoral scholars, fostering innovation and research in polymer science.

Research Focus

Dr. K. Prakalathan’s research interests 🧑‍🔬 encompass a wide array of areas within polymer science and technology, focusing on innovative and impactful applications. His work in polymer composites explores advanced material combinations to enhance functionality across industries. He is actively involved in the development of biopolymers, offering sustainable solutions to pressing environmental challenges . His research in biomedical waste management aims to design efficient systems for managing healthcare-related waste, promoting safety and sustainability . Dr. Prakalathan also specializes in polymer blends and alloys, striving to improve material properties for industrial applications , and in polymer processing and testing, advancing characterization techniques for quality assurance and performance optimization . Through his research, he contributes significantly to both scientific innovation and environmental sustainability.

Publications Top Notes

Surface Modification and Engineering of Nanoscale Absorbent and Their Composite – Carbon Nanostructures, 2024, Part F2589, pp. 89–104 – Cited by: 0.
Preparation and Characterization of Shear Thickening Fluid Coated Polypropylene Fabric for Soft Armour Application – Journal of the Textile Institute, 2021, 112(10), pp. 1555–1567 – Cited by: 9.
Development of Hybrid Composites and Joining Technology for Lightweight Structures – Materials Horizons: From Nature to Nanomaterials, 2018, pp. 123–131 – Cited by: 4.
Influence of Transition Metal Ion-Adsorbed Montmorillonite on Polylactic Acid Nanocomposites – Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials, 2014, 27(12), pp. 1631–1650 – Cited by: 6.
Rheological and Thermomechanical Behaviour of Polylactide/Modified Layered Silicate Nanocomposites – Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials, 2014, 27(10), pp. 1303–1320 – Cited by: 1.
Reinforcing Effect and Isothermal Crystallization Kinetics of Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate) Nanocomposites – Polymer Composites, 2014, 35(5), pp. 999–1012 – Cited by: 36.
Polylactide/Modified Layered Silicates Nanocomposites: Morphological, Mechanical, and Thermal Properties – Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 2012, 31(19), pp. 1300–1310 – Cited by: 23.
Polylactide/Transition Metal Ion Modified Montmorillonite Nanocomposite: Mechanical Performance and Thermal Stability – Polymer Composites, 2012, 33(10), pp. 1848–1857 – Cited by: 5.

Mujaheed Yunusa | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mujaheed Yunusa, Central South University, Nigeria.

Mujaheed Yunusa is a dedicated researcher with expertise in materials science, focusing on recycled materials, smart materials, and additives in asphalt pavement and composites. Having completed his PhD and MSc in Materials Science and Engineering at Wuhan University of Technology, China , he has developed significant expertise in asphalt mixture interfacial zone characterization and composite testing. Currently, he is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Central South University , working in road materials and engineering. Mujaheed’s contributions are recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Chinese Government Scholarship, and he has published research on asphalt interfaces and composite materials.

Education and Experience

PhD in Materials Science and Engineering – Wuhan University of Technology, China (2019-2023)

Dissertation: Interface Characterization at the Mortar Transition Zone in Asphalt Mixture

Advisors: Professor Xiao Yue

MSc in Materials Science and Engineering – Wuhan University of Technology, China (2016-2019)

Thesis: Aluminum-Lined, Carbon Fiber Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessel Strength Analysis

Advisors: Professor Zu Lei

NYSC (National Youth Service Corps) – Nigeria (2018-2019)

BSc in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering – Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria (2010-2015)

Head of Department: Professor Auwal Kasim

Postdoctoral Researcher – Central South University, China (2023-present)

Internship – Ocean Favor International PTE. LTD, China (2018)

Suitability For The Award

Dr. Mujaheed Yunusa is a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award due to his exceptional academic achievements, innovative research focus, and contributions to materials science and civil engineering, particularly within the realm of asphalt mixtures and composite materials.

Professional Development

Mujaheed Yunusa has built a robust foundation in materials science through intensive academic and industry experiences. His expertise encompasses asphalt mixture transition zones, composite material testing, and characterization of recycled and smart materials for construction applications . His PhD work on the mortar transition zone in asphalt mixtures stands as a significant advancement in the field, leveraging mechanical and microscopic techniques for better durability and sustainability. Throughout his academic journey, he has held various positions, including as a Teaching Assistant and intern, providing hands-on support in logistics and engineering environments . These roles have equipped him with essential analytical and research skills, allowing him to contribute meaningfully to cutting-edge road materials research.

Research Focus

Mujaheed Yunusa’s research is primarily centered on materials science and engineering applications in asphalt pavements and composite materials . His work investigates the use of recycled materials and additives in asphalt mixtures to enhance pavement durability and sustainability . Another significant area of focus is on the interface characterization within asphalt mixtures, where he employs advanced mechanical and microscopic methods to assess material interactions at the interfacial zone. Mujaheed is also exploring the use of smart materials, aiming to innovate in the development of resilient pavements and composite structures. His work in these fields contributes to advancements in infrastructure and sustainable construction practices .

Awards and Honors

Chinese Government Scholarship (2019-2023) – Full funding for PhD program
Honour Certificate of Country Representative (2019-2022) – Wuhan University of Technology
MOFCOM Scholarship (2016-2019) – Wuhan University of Technology, China
Kano State Government Scholarship Graduate Award (2014-2015) – For undergraduate thesis support

Publications

Characterization of Interface Transition Zone in Asphalt Mixture Using Mechanical and Microscopic Methods (2024) – Cited by: Crossref
Durability of Recycled Concrete Aggregates Prepared with Mechanochemical and Thermal Treatment (2022) – Cited by: Crossref
Special Issue on Silicate Solid Waste Recycling (2021) – Cited by: Crossref