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.

Rolando Pedicini | Composite Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rolando Pedicini | Composite Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Doctorate at CNR-ITAE, Italy

Profiles:

🎓Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Rolando Pedicini was born on May 25, 1971, in Messina, Italy. He pursued his higher education with a focus on inorganic chemistry and chemical physics. From June 1998 to March 2000, he was involved in research activities at the University of Messina under the supervision of Prof. G. Alibrandi. During this period, he gained substantial experience in reaction inorganic kinetics, characterizing the final products through UV, FT-IR, and NMR spectroscopy, as well as potentiometric titrations.

🏢Professional Endeavors

Dr. Pedicini’s professional journey began at the National Research Council’s Institute for Advanced Energy Technologies “Nicola Giordano” (CNR-ITAE) in Messina, where he worked on various projects related to Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells (PEFCs). His initial role was as a researcher on collaboration activities from February 2001 to May 2001. This experience laid the foundation for his subsequent roles at CNR-ITAE, where he continued to develop his expertise in polymeric membranes for fuel cells.

From June 2001 to May 2003, Dr. Pedicini held a fellowship at Pirelli Labs, focusing on developing polyethylene grafted-styrene membranes for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells applications at low temperatures. His contributions during this period were crucial in advancing the understanding and development of materials for fuel cells.

Between June 2003 and October 2008, Dr. Pedicini worked on developing and characterizing proton conduction membranes for polymer electrolyte fuel cells at CNR-ITAE. His efforts were supported through scholarships and research grants, highlighting his commitment and the recognition of his work in this field.

In October 2008, Dr. Pedicini secured a temporary position as a researcher at the National Research Council (CNR) in Rome. He worked on developing and characterizing membranes containing blends of s-PSF/Polyurethane and sPSF/PSF until December 2009. His expertise and contributions led to a permanent position at CNR from December 2009, where he has since focused on synthesizing polymeric materials for hydrogen storage applications.

🔬Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Pedicini’s research has primarily focused on the development and characterization of materials for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells (PEFCs) and hydrogen storage. His work has involved synthesizing novel polymeric materials, developing protonic exchange membranes, and exploring innovative strategies for material characterization. One notable publication includes the study titled “New sulfonated polysulfone co-polymer membrane for low temperature fuel cell,” published in the Journal of New Material for Electrochemical Systems in 2003. This work, co-authored with A.C. Tavares, Y.A. Dubitsky, A. Zaopo, I. Gatto, and E. Passalacqua, contributed significantly to the understanding of low-temperature fuel cells.

Another significant publication is “Structural and electrochemical investigation on re-cast Nafion membranes for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells (PEFCs) application,” published in the Journal of Membrane Science in 2006. This study, co-authored with A. Saccà, A. Carbone, G. Portale, L. D’Ilario, A. Longo, A. Martorana, and E. Passalacqua, provided insights into the structural and electrochemical properties of re-cast Nafion membranes, furthering the development of PEFCs.

🏆Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Pedicini’s contributions to the field of fuel cell research have been recognized through various accolades and scholarships. He received a fully funded scholarship from the University of Calabria, where he pursued his Ph.D. in Physics from November 2016 to September 2020. His thesis, titled “Sviluppo di Materiali Innovativi per Adsorbimento H2 e Realizzazione di una Unità Dimostrativa di Bombola,” focused on developing innovative materials for hydrogen adsorption and creating a demonstrative unit for hydrogen storage.

🌍Impact and Influence

Throughout his career, Dr. Pedicini has significantly impacted the field of fuel cell research. His work has contributed to the development of new materials and technologies, enhancing the efficiency and performance of fuel cells and hydrogen storage systems. His research has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of polymeric membranes and their applications in energy technologies.

🌟Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Pedicini’s legacy in fuel cell research is marked by his dedication to developing innovative materials and his contributions to advancing the field. As a permanent researcher at the National Research Council, he continues to explore new frontiers in polymeric materials for energy applications. His ongoing work in synthesizing and characterizing novel materials for hydrogen storage promises to contribute to sustainable energy solutions in the future.

📖Publications:

Paper Title: Pt Effect on H2 Kinetics Sorption in Mn Oxide-Based Polymeric Material

  • Authors: Pedicini, R., Sigalas, M.
  • Journal: Hydrogen (Switzerland)
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: A Critical Review of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Systems for Automotive Applications: Components, Materials, and Comparative Assessment

  • Authors: Pedicini, R., Romagnoli, M., Santangelo, P.E.
  • Journal: Energies
  • Year: 2023

Paper Title: Aquivion-based anion exchange membranes: Synthesis optimization via dispersant agents and reaction time

  • Authors: Carbone, A., Zignani, S.C., Gatto, I., Cattaneo, A., Aricò, A.S.
  • Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal
  • Year: 2023

Paper Title: Evaluation of Photoelectrocatalysis with Electrode Based on Ti/RuO2-TiO2 Modified with Tin and Tantalum Oxides for the Degradation of Indigo Blue Dye

  • Authors: Tomaz, A.T., Costa, C.R., de Lourdes S. Vasconcellos, M., Pedicini, R., Ribeiro, J.
  • Journal: Nanomaterials
  • Year: 2022

Paper Title: Determination of the electrochemically active surface area by CO and hydrogen of PtSnRuTa/C-based electrocatalysts and their relationship with catalytic activity against alcohol oxidation

  • Authors: Queiroz, M.A.R., Vasconcellos, M.L.S., Ribeiro, M.A., Pedicini, R., Ribeiro, J.
  • Journal: Chemical Papers
  • Year: 2022