Dr. Prabhakar M.N. | Natural Fibers | Best Researcher Award

Changwon National University - South Korea

Professional Profiles:

• scopus Profile
• ResearchGate Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Prabhakar M.N. began his academic journey at Sri Krishnadevaraya University in India, where he dedicated his studies to the fields of Polymer Science and Technology. He obtained both his Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree from 2003 to 2005 and later his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from 2009 to 2014. Prior to these achievements, he earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Physical Sciences, covering Physics and Chemistry from 1999 to 2002, and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in 2002-2003 from Bangalore University. This strong foundation in both education and polymer science set the stage for his future contributions to the field of mechatronics and materials engineering.

Professional Endeavors

Upon completing his Ph.D., Prabhakar transitioned to more advanced roles, starting with a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the Research Institute of Mechatronics at Changwon National University in South Korea, where he worked from 2014 to 2017. This position allowed him to deepen his research skills and broaden his scientific network. By 2017, he had progressed to the role of Research Professor and Co-Supervisor at the same institution, marking a significant step in his career as he began leading research projects and mentoring graduate students.

Contributions and Research Focus on Natural Fibers

Prabhakar’s research primarily focuses on the development of eco-friendly materials and innovations in polymer composites. His work integrates advanced techniques such as injection molding, compression molding, and vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding, among others. This focus is evidenced by his extensive contributions to developing flame retardant materials and self-healing composites, which are crucial for both safety and sustainability in material science.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his career, Prabhakar has been recognized for his research excellence and leadership in the field. Notably, he received the Outstanding Presentation Award at the International Symposium on Precision Engineering and Sustainable Manufacturing (PRESM) in 2021. His ability to secure significant funding, such as a project grant from the National Research Foundation of Republic of Korea for over $122,000 USD, highlights both his initiative and the trust placed in his research capabilities.

Impact and Influence

Prabhakar’s work has had a considerable impact on both academia and industry. His efforts in advancing the technology of flame-resistant vinyl ester composites and eco-starch plastic composites have led to safer and more sustainable material options. Moreover, his role as a co-supervisor of doctoral and master’s students at Changwon National University has allowed him to shape the next generation of engineers and researchers in mechanical engineering.

Legacy and Future Contributions

With a strong portfolio of patents and ongoing projects in developing eco-friendly and high-performance materials, Prabhakar is not only contributing to the current state of materials science but also paving the way for future innovations. His patents, such as those for eco-friendly additives for thermosetting resins and flame retardant composite fibers, demonstrate his commitment to creating sustainable solutions that address environmental concerns. Looking forward, Prabhakar's ongoing research and leadership are expected to continue influencing the fields of polymer science and mechatronics, contributing to a more sustainable and safer industrial future.