Manojkumar S | Composite Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Manojkumar S | Composite Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Assistant professor at Madanapalle Institute of Technology & Science, India

S. Manoj Kumar is an accomplished academician with over a decade of teaching experience in mechanical engineering, currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Madanapalle Institute of Engineering and Technology, affiliated with JNTUA. With a specialized focus in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, he has actively contributed to both academic and functional dimensions of higher education. He is a committed educator known for his meticulous approach, reliability, and technical insight, especially in manufacturing systems, surface engineering, and composite materials.

Profile

Scopus | ORCID

Education 

S. Manoj Kumar holds a Master of Engineering degree in Advanced Manufacturing from Coimbatore Institute of Technology, affiliated with Anna University, where he secured a CGPA of 8.39 in 2011. His academic foundation began with a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Kanchi Pallavan Engineering College under Anna University in 2008. He has consistently demonstrated academic excellence throughout his formative years, earning first-class distinctions in both his undergraduate and postgraduate studies. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Surface Engineering from Anna University on a part-time basis, showcasing his continued commitment to academic advancement and research excellence.

Experience 

With over 11 years of academic experience, Mr. Manoj Kumar began his teaching career in 2011 at Arulmigu Meenakshi Amman College of Engineering. He then moved on to JNN Institute of Engineering in 2019 and has been serving at Madanapalle Institute of Engineering and Technology since June 2021. He has taught core subjects such as Production and Operation Management, Total Quality Management, Thermal Engineering, Process Planning, and Cost Estimation, among others. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he has taken on administrative roles such as NBA coordinator and Transport In-Charge, underlining his multi-faceted contributions to institutional development.

Research Interest 

His research interests primarily revolve around Surface Engineering, Tribology, Metal Matrix Composites, Biocomposites, and Advanced Manufacturing Technologies. He has shown a strong inclination towards exploring the mechanical, thermal, fatigue, and wear behaviors of novel materials, including silicon-based reinforcements, natural fibers, and hybrid composites. His ongoing doctoral research further delves into the optimization of surface treatments and coatings for enhanced material performance, placing him at the intersection of academic innovation and industrial relevance.

Awards 

S. Manoj Kumar has been recognized for his commitment to academic excellence and innovation. He received cash awards for achieving 95% results in subjects like Automobile Engineering and Mechatronics and was honored for guiding the best final-year academic project. He actively participated in numerous AICTE-sponsored Faculty Development Programs and international seminars. Notable among them are FDPs on Renewable Energy, Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing, and Tribology for Reliability. His consistent engagement in professional development showcases his dedication to lifelong learning and upskilling.

Publications 

S. Manoj Kumar has authored several peer-reviewed articles in reputed international journals. A selection of seven of his prominent publications includes:

  1. “Effect of High Temperature-Treated Si₂N₂O on Mechanical, Tribology, Fatigue, and Creep Behavior of AA7075 Metal Matrix Composite” (2025), International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, cited for advancements in MMC fatigue behavior.

  2. “Enhancement of Mechanical, Microstructural and Fatigue Properties of Cassava Tuber Peel Biosilica Toughened Dissimilar AA6061-AZ31B Mg Welds” (2025), Polymer Bulletin, appreciated for biosilica integration in dissimilar welding.

  3. “Mechanical, Wear, Fatigue, Water Absorption and Flammability of Silane-treated Indian Squid Chitin Powder-Dispersed Pineapple Fiber-Polyester Composite” (2025), Polymer Bulletin, cited for bio-based reinforcement techniques.

  4. “Effect of Wheat Husk Biogenic Ceramic Si₃N₄ Addition on Mechanical, Wear and Flammability Behaviour of Castor Sheath Fibre-Reinforced Epoxy Composite” (2025), Journal of the Australian Ceramic Society, noted for eco-friendly composite exploration.

  5. “Effect of Silicon Coupling Grafted Ferric Oxide and E-Glass Fibre in Thermal Stability, Wear and Tensile Fatigue Behaviour of Epoxy Hybrid Composite” (2020), Silicon, recognized for significant contributions in hybrid epoxy research.

  6. “Mechanical, Dielectric and Thermal Stability of Silicon Oxynitride Nanoparticle Dispersed Tamarind Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Bio-composite” (2023), Silicon, cited for nanoparticle-enhanced biocomposite formulation.

  7. “Tribological Investigation of Shot Peened NiP-CN Electroless Coating on EN31 Steel” (2023), AIP Conference Proceedings, cited for its practical implications in surface engineering applications.

Each of these works has contributed new insights into materials science and surface engineering, garnering citations and recognition from researchers worldwide.

Conclusion 

S. Manoj Kumar stands as a dedicated academic professional who has consistently demonstrated excellence in teaching, research, and institutional service. His evolving contributions in surface engineering and composite material development are not only academically significant but also industrially applicable. With a balanced profile of scholarly productivity, teaching dedication, and collaborative engagements, he is a worthy nominee for recognition in research and academic distinction. His work continues to inspire innovation, sustainability, and technical excellence among peers and students alike.

Sayan Basak | Shape Memory Polymers and Composites | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sayan Basak | Shape Memory Polymers and Composites | Best Researcher Award

Research Scientist at Lion Elastomers, United States

Dr. Sayan Basak is an accomplished polymer scientist currently serving as a Research Scientist at Lion Elastomers, USA. He specializes in emulsion and anionic polymerization and is deeply involved in transferring laboratory-scale innovations into pilot-scale and industrial production. His strong foundation in polymer engineering, coupled with impactful postdoctoral and industrial research experiences, positions him as a distinguished figure in the advanced materials domain. With a passion for translational polymer science, Dr. Basak continually contributes to bridging the gap between academic innovation and industrial utility.

Profile

Scholar

Education

Dr. Basak holds a Ph.D. in Polymer Engineering from the University of Akron, Ohio, USA, awarded in 2023. His doctoral research titled “Structure-Property Relationships of High Cis 1,4 Polybutadiene-Based Shape Memory Polymers” earned him the prestigious Doctoral Scholar Award, reflecting his academic excellence and technical depth. He earned his Bachelor of Technology in Polymer Science and Technology from the University of Calcutta in 2019, where he completed a thesis on thermo-responsive self-healing blends under the mentorship of Prof. A. Bandyopadhyay. His academic journey showcases a consistent focus on polymer science with an emphasis on high-performance and stimuli-responsive materials.

Experience

Dr. Basak’s postdoctoral tenure at ETH Zurich and Empa, Switzerland, was supported by the ETH Domain Fellowship, where he led projects on single-atom catalyst-based polyethylene synthesis and confinement space polymerization. He also worked as a Research Investigator at Syngene International (Biocon Ltd., India), where he led a team focused on living polymerization and scale-up processes. Notably, he developed strategies to polymerize 1,3-butadiene with styrene and acrylates, contributing significantly to process optimization and earning the Biocon-Syngene Excellence Award. Prior to his doctoral studies, he was a Research Assistant and Teaching Assistant at the University of Akron, assisting in fluid mechanics courses and developing materials for lubricants, actuators, and elastomers.

Research Interest

Dr. Basak’s research interests span a broad spectrum of polymer science, including living polymerization, polymerization kinetics, and the structure-property relationship of advanced functional polymers. He has explored confinement space polymerization, catalyzed polymerization of polyolefins, and self-healing materials. His work also delves into biomedical polymers, including the synthesis of polymer-protein conjugates and biocompatible systems. He maintains a strong interest in experimental polymer physics, particularly rubber elasticity, phase transitions, and thermal/morphological behavior of polymers, applying these principles in both high-performance materials and bio-related domains.

Awards

Dr. Basak’s research excellence has been acknowledged through multiple accolades. He was awarded the ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship and was also selected for the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship (MSCA-PF) supported by Science Foundation Ireland, which he declined in favor of the ETH position. He received the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Outstanding Peer Reviewer Award in 2024 and was a recipient of the RSC Researcher Development and Travel Grant. Additionally, he earned the Biocon-Syngene Excellence Award for his industrial contributions. His growing reputation is further supported by memberships in esteemed professional bodies, including AMRSC and MIMMM.

Publication

Dr. Basak has several impactful publications in peer-reviewed journals, reflecting his versatility across both fundamental and applied polymer science:

  1. Basak, S., et al. (2023). Structure–property relationships in shape memory polybutadiene. Polymer, cited by 18 articles.

  2. Basak, S., et al. (2022). Cationic polymerization of 1,3-cyclohexadiene: Mechanistic insights. Macromolecules, cited by 14 articles.

  3. Basak, S., et al. (2022). Epoxidation of polycyclohexadiene: Synthesis and scale-up. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, cited by 12 articles.

  4. Basak, S., et al. (2021). Thermo-responsive self-healing behavior in TPU/EVA blends. Journal of Polymer Science, cited by 9 articles.

  5. Basak, S., et al. (2021). Shape memory elastomers: A multiscale approach. Smart Materials and Structures, cited by 11 articles.

  6. Basak, S., et al. (2020). Click-chemistry functionalization of elastomers. Reactive and Functional Polymers, cited by 10 articles.

  7. Basak, S., et al. (2020). Polymer confinement: Theory and reactor design. Chemical Engineering Journal, cited by 8 articles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Sayan Basak exemplifies the qualities of a “Distinguished Scientist” through his unwavering commitment to scientific innovation, academic rigor, and industrial applicability. His expertise in polymerization processes, materials development, and reactor design has significantly advanced both theoretical understanding and practical implementation in polymer science. With strong publication records, prestigious fellowships, and industrial accomplishments, Dr. Basak stands out as a highly deserving candidate for this award. His contributions not only push the boundaries of research but also foster interdisciplinary collaboration and industrial transformation in material sciences.

Wenfei Yang | Composite Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Wenfei Yang | Composite Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

lecturer at Qingdao Campus, Naval Aviation University, China

Dr. Wenfei Yang is a dedicated researcher and lecturer in the Department of Aviation Mechanical Engineering and Command at the Naval Aviation University, Qingdao Campus. With a strong academic background in material science and engineering, he has contributed significantly to the field, particularly in material physics and chemistry. His research focuses on innovative synthesis techniques and electrochemical properties of advanced materials, emphasizing their potential applications in energy storage and absorption mechanisms.

profile

scopus

Education

Dr. Yang earned his Ph.D. in Material Physics and Chemistry from Dalian University of Technology in November 2021. Prior to this, he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Material Science and Engineering from Guizhou Normal University in June 2016. His academic journey has provided him with a robust foundation in material synthesis, structural characterization, and electrochemical applications, shaping his expertise in advanced materials and their practical applications.

Experience

Since December 2021, Dr. Yang has been serving as a lecturer at the Naval Aviation University, Qingdao Campus, where he specializes in aviation mechanical engineering. His professional experience extends to his doctoral research at Dalian University of Technology, where he conducted extensive studies on material physics and chemistry. His work primarily revolves around innovative material synthesis, absorption mechanisms, and the development of nanocomposites for various industrial applications.

Research Interests

Dr. Yang’s research interests include advanced material synthesis, electrochemical energy storage, and nanocomposite development. He has extensively explored the lithiation/delithiation activities of nanostructured materials and their implications in energy storage systems. His work also delves into controlled synthesis techniques, absorption mechanisms, and the role of plasma processes in nanomaterial formation. His contributions aim to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of energy storage technologies through innovative material engineering.

Awards

As of the latest records, Dr. Yang has not received specific academic awards or recognitions. However, his extensive contributions to material science and his role as a lecturer highlight his dedication to advancing research and education in his field. His publications in high-impact journals demonstrate his scholarly excellence and potential for future accolades.

Publications

Yang, W., Gao, Z., Zhang, Y., Shi, H., Wang, A., & Fan, W. (2025). Controlled Synthesis and Absorption Mechanism Study of FCI@UFC Absorbents. Materials, 18(1017). (Cited by multiple studies in material absorption research.)

Yang, W., Liang, J., Zhang, Z., et al. (2020). Electrochemical Lithiation/Delithiation Activities of the Random SiO2/Mn Nanowires In-situ Synthesized by an Instantaneous Arc-Plasma. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 844(156207). (Widely referenced in electrochemical energy storage studies.)

Yang, W., Jung, Y., Huang, F., et al. (2021). Instantaneous Vapor-Liquid-Solid Growth of Amorphous SiO2 Nanowires Within a Local-Equilibrium Plasma and the Optimized Lithiation/Delithiation Activity. Applied Surface Science, 557, 149848. (Recognized for contributions to nanowire growth techniques.)

Gao, J., Yang, W., Fang, C., et al. (2021). Facile Synthesis of TiO2/WO3 Nanocomposites and the Electrochemical Lithiation/Delithiation Activity. Journal of Materials Science, 56, 14505-14517. (Co-first author; cited in nanocomposite studies.)

Yang, W., Zhang, Y., Fan, W., Wang, A., Dong, X. (2023). Co-Evaporation of Amorphous TiO2-Based Nanocomposite Materials Under DC Arc Plasma and Lithium Storage Performance. Material Reports, 37(10A): 25-32. (Highly regarded in lithium storage research.)

Conclusion

Dr. Wenfei Yang exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher through his rigorous scientific contributions, dedication to materials science, and innovation in nanotechnology. His research significantly advances electrochemical materials, making him a deserving nominee for the Research for Best Researcher Award.