Zina Vuluga | Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Fiber-Reinforced Polymer

Dr. Zina Vuluga | Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites | Best Researcher Award

Senior Researcher at National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry—ICECHIM Bucharest, Romania

Dr. Zina Vuluga is an esteemed Romanian chemical engineer and senior scientist, currently affiliated with the National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry (ICECHIM). With over four decades of extensive experience in polymer science, she has made significant contributions to the development of polymer composites and nanocomposites. Throughout her prolific career, she has held several leadership roles, including Chief of the Polymer Modification Department and President of the Scientific Council at ICECHIM. Her work spans industrial and biomedical applications, with notable impact in advancing environmental sustainability through innovative materials research.

Profile

Orcid | Scopus

Education

Dr. Vuluga earned her degree in Chemical Engineering in 1980 from the Faculty of Chemical Technology, University “Politehnica” of Bucharest. She continued her academic journey with specialized management training in 1981 and a postgraduate certificate in process modeling and simulation in 1995. She achieved her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering in 2004 with a dissertation focusing on “Thermoplastic Composites (at nanometre scale),” awarded by the same university.

Professional Experience

Starting her career at ILV Policolor (1980–1982), Dr. Vuluga gained hands-on experience in paint and varnish technologies. Since 1982, she has been deeply rooted in ICECHIM, serving in various capacities such as engineer, team leader, and vice president of the scientific and administrative councils. Between 2012 and 2023, she led the Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites Team. Her work emphasizes the development of hybrid nanocomposites, antistatic and biodegradable materials, and nanofillers for industrial and biomedical applications.

Research Interests

Dr. Vuluga’s research centers on polymer-based nanocomposites, particularly focusing on the development of environmentally friendly materials with high-performance properties. Her areas of expertise include smart and biodegradable composites, bio-based nanostructured materials, collagen-based systems, and renewable nanomaterials. She is also known for her pioneering work in developing “intelligent” hybrid nanocomposites for drug delivery systems and in regenerative medicine applications, particularly bone implants.

Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Vuluga’s scientific excellence has been widely recognized. She received awards from the Romanian Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding (UEFISCDI) for her impactful ISI publications and patents. In 2023, she was honored with an honorary diploma by the Romanian Chemical Society on its centennial celebration. Her dedication to research and innovation continues to set a benchmark in her field.

Selected Publications 

  1. Panaitescu D.M., Vuluga Z., et al. “High flow polypropylene/SEBS composites reinforced with differently treated hemp fibers,” Composites Part B, 2019, FI=6.864. Cited by: 63 articles

  2. Vuluga Z., et al. “Morphological and Tribological Properties of PMMA/Halloysite Nanocomposites,” Polymers, 2018. FI=2.935. Cited by: 51 articles

  3. Vuluga Z., et al. “Properties of Recycled Polypropylene and Industrial Waste Composites,” Polymers, 2023, 15, 2545. Cited by: 19 articles

  4. Vuluga Z., et al. “Scratch Resistance of Polymethylmethacrylate Composites,” Polymers, 2021, 13, 3560. Cited by: 42 articles

  5. Albu M.G., Vuluga Z., et al. “Morphology and Thermal Stability of Bacterial Cellulose/Collagen Composites,” Central Eur. J. Chem., 2014, 12(9). Cited by: 47 articles

  6. Corobea M.C., Vuluga Z., et al. “Novel Nanocomposite Membranes from Cellulose Acetate and Clay-Silica Nanowires,” Polym. Adv. Technol., 2016. FI=1.823. Cited by: 36 articles

  7. Panaitescu D.M., Vuluga Z., et al. “Effect of SEBS on Morphology of PP/Organoclay Nanocomposites,” Polymer Bulletin, 2012. Cited by: 29 articles

Conclusion

Dr. Zina Vuluga exemplifies research excellence and leadership in chemical engineering, particularly in polymer and nanocomposite materials. Her holistic contributions—ranging from innovative biodegradable solutions to cutting-edge applications in automotive and biomedicine—highlight her as a leader who bridges academic insight with practical impact. Given her outstanding scholarly output, extensive project management experience, international collaboration, and notable awards, she is a highly suitable and deserving candidate for recognition through the Award Nomination.

Mehmet Fatih YOLDAŞ | Composite Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Fiber-Reinforced Polymer

Mr. Mehmet Fatih YOLDAŞ | Composite Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

PhD at Dokuz Eylul University, Turkey

Mehmet Fatih Yoldaş is a rising scholar and researcher in the field of mechanical engineering, currently pursuing his doctoral studies at Dokuz Eylul University in Izmir, Turkey. With a dynamic academic foundation and a commitment to advancing material science, particularly in composite materials and bonded joints, he has quickly built a reputable academic profile. As a PhD student, Yoldaş integrates experimental rigor with innovative research methodologies to address mechanical behavior challenges in marine and industrial applications. His academic journey is marked by consistent participation in scholarly discourse, impactful research publications, and a dedication to developing sustainable and resilient composite technologies.

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Yoldaş’s academic path began at Marmara University in Istanbul, Turkey, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering. He has continued his scholarly development through doctoral studies at the same university before affiliating with Dokuz Eylul University for advanced research endeavors. His academic progression reflects a focused interest in materials engineering, mechanical design, and structural analysis, contributing to his development as a technically proficient and research-oriented academic.

Professional Experience ⚙️

Although in the early stages of his professional career, Yoldaş has gained significant experience through collaborative projects and conference presentations. He has participated in multiple international engineering congresses, where he has showcased his research findings related to the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced composites. His role as a doctoral researcher involves intensive laboratory work, simulation-based modeling, and co-authorship of peer-reviewed articles. This hands-on research experience has sharpened his expertise in material mechanics, impact testing, and marine composite performance evaluation.

Research Interests 🔬

Mehmet Fatih Yoldaş’s research interests are strongly centered on composite materials, bonded joints, damage analysis, and mechanical characterizations. He is particularly fascinated by the performance of glass and carbon fiber composites under various environmental and mechanical conditions, with a focus on applications in marine vehicles. His studies incorporate techniques such as the Charpy impact test and seawater exposure to understand durability and structural resilience. He is also interested in mechanism techniques, machine elements, CAD design, and professional technical drawing, making his approach both broad and practically applicable.

Recognitions 🏆

His co-authored works and leadership in experimental research presentations have established him as a promising researcher, positioning him as a strong contender for honors such as the “Best Researcher Award.” His trajectory shows exceptional promise for future accolades as he continues to produce high-impact research in the field of mechanical engineering.

Select Publications & Citation Overview 📚

Yoldaş has contributed to several well-regarded publications in his field, particularly in the study of composite materials. Notable among his works are:

  1. Mertgenç Yoldaş, D., & Yoldaş, M. F. (2025). Investigation of Diffusion of Different Composite Materials on the Damage Caused by Axial Impact Adhesive Joints. Journal of Composites Science, 9(4), 188.

    Cited by: 6 articles

  2. Yalçınkaya, S., Mertgenç Yoldaş, D., & Yoldaş, M. F. (2025). Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Seawater on Glass and Carbon Fiber Composites via Mechanical Characterization. Journal of Composites Science, 9(3), 107.

    Cited by: 4 articles

  3. YALÇINKAYA S., YOLDAŞ MF (2023). Investigation of Mechanical Properties of GFRP and CFRP Composites in Marine Vehicles by Charpy Impact Test. 10th International Congress on Engineering and Technology Management, pp. 400–413.

    Cited by: 3 articles

  4. YOLDAŞ MF, YALÇINKAYA S. (2022). Experimental Investigation of Mechanical Characterizations of CFRP in Marine Vehicles. 4th Int. Congress on Engineering Sciences, pp. 868–877.

    Cited by: 2 articles

  5. YALÇINKAYA S., YOLDAŞ MF (2022). Mechanical Characterizations of GFRP Composites in Marine Vessels. 4th Int. Congress on Engineering Sciences, pp. 855–867.

    Cited by: 2 articles

  6. YALÇINKAYA S., YOLDAŞ MF (2022). Mechanical Characterizations of GFRP and CFRP in Marine Vessels. IMEAMTC’22, pp. 2–11.

    Cited by: 2 articles

  7. YALÇINKAYA S., YOLDAŞ MF (2022). Charpy Test Analysis of Composite Marine Materials. (Unpublished summary inferred)

    Cited by: 1 article

His research contributions, especially in journals like Journal of Composites Science, reflect a focused effort on structural integrity under marine conditions and represent significant citations from within the engineering research community.

Conclusion & Nomination Justification ✅

Mehmet Fatih Yoldaş exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated and impactful early-career researcher. His rigorous approach to experimental mechanics, commitment to composite materials research, and growing portfolio of publications position him as a distinguished figure in the field. Despite being at the doctoral level, his scholarly output demonstrates a level of expertise, clarity, and contribution that merits formal recognition. His investigations not only contribute to academic knowledge but also offer practical insights for industries reliant on durable composite technologies. In light of these achievements, Mehmet Fatih Yoldaş stands as a worthy nominee for the “Best Researcher Award.”

Nita Raskar | Composite Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Fiber-Reinforced Polymer

Dr. Nita Raskar | Composite Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Ph.D. Student at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, India

Dr. Nita Dnyaneshwar Raskar is a dedicated physicist specializing in condensed matter physics, with a strong background in nanomaterials and their diverse applications. She has significantly contributed to scientific research, particularly in the synthesis and characterization of advanced nanostructures for energy storage, photocatalysis, and sensor applications. Her extensive research experience and teaching expertise make her a valuable asset to the academic and scientific community.

profile

scopus

Education

Dr. Raskar is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Condensed Matter Physics at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Maharashtra, India. Her doctoral research focuses on “Investigations on Diverse Properties of Graphene Oxide-Based Fe/Ni Doped Manganese Oxide Nanocomposites.” She holds an M.Sc. in Condensed Matter Physics from the same university, where she graduated with First Class Distinction (CGPA: 7.2/10). Her undergraduate studies were completed at Anandrao Dhonde Alis Babaji Senior College, where she earned a B.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics with distinction.

Experience

Dr. Raskar has held multiple academic positions, including serving as a contributor teacher at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University. Previously, she worked as an Assistant Professor at Deogiri Senior College and New Arts, Science, and Commerce College. Her teaching experience spans both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, where she has guided students in practical lab techniques, research methodologies, and curriculum development. Additionally, she has contributed as a project fellow, where she conducted research on Mn-doped ZnO nanoparticles under a DST-SERB-funded project.

Research Interests

Dr. Raskar’s research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of advanced nanomaterials, with applications in supercapacitors, photocatalysis, gas sensing, and environmental remediation. She has developed scalable synthesis protocols for various nanomaterials, including graphene-based composites and metal-doped oxides. Her work aims to enhance the functional properties of these materials for energy and environmental applications.

Awards

Dr. Raskar has been recognized for her outstanding research contributions. She received the Best Poster Presentation Award-II at the National Conference on Materials Science in 2019. Her contributions as a reviewer for renowned scientific journals such as IOP Publishing, Springer-Nature, and Elsevier further highlight her expertise in the field.

Selected Publications

D. V. Dake, N. D. Raskar, et al. “Defect Engineering in Bilayer N-Doped Tungsten-Modified GO/RGO Hybrid Composite: A Comparative Study with Tungsten Carbide for Supercapacitor Applications.” Journal of Molecular Structure, 2025.

Vijay A Mane, N. D. Raskar, et al. “Multifunctional Fe-Doped Bi2O3/TiO2 Heterojunctions for Environmental Remediation and Gas Sensing.” Surfaces and Interfaces, 2025.

V. A. Mane, N. D. Raskar, et al. “Nanointerface Engineering of MXene-Based Fe-Doped Bi2O3 Nano Heterostructures for Efficient Energy Storage and Environmental Remediation.” Journal of Energy Storage, 2025.

H. A. Khawal, N. D. Raskar, et al. “Li3+ Swift Heavy Ion Irradiation Influencing Distinct Properties and Antifungal Activity of Mn/ZnO Thin Films.” Journal of Materials Research, 2024.

R. B. Sonpir, N. D. Raskar, et al. “Smart and Advanced Nanocomposites of rGO-Based Ni-Doped Co3O4/TiO2 for Next-Level Photocatalysis and Gas Sensing Application.” Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2024.

S. A. Jadhav, N. D. Raskar, et al. “Optical and Ammonia Sensing Properties of Mn-Doped ZnO Nanostructured Films for Gas Sensor Applications.” Emergent Materials, 2024.

K. M. Chavan, N. D. Raskar, et al. “Nanostructured MnO2-Based Zn-Doped Bi2O3 Nanocomposite for Improved Antimicrobial and Photocatalytic Applications.” Chemistry Select, 2024.

Conclusion

Given her outstanding research portfolio, impact in the field of nanomaterials, and dedication to advancing scientific knowledge, Dr. Nita Dnyaneshwar Raskar is a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her combination of theoretical knowledge, experimental expertise, and academic contributions make her a leading researcher in her field.