S Sankar | Copolymer Nanocomposites | Young Scientist Award

Mr. S Sankar | Copolymer Nanocomposites | Young Scientist Award

University of Calicut | India

Sankar S. Menon is an emerging researcher in the field of polymer chemistry and materials science, with a strong focus on conducting polymers, polymer nanocomposites, photocatalysis, sensors, and charge-storage devices. His research primarily explores the design, synthesis, and functional optimization of advanced polymer–nanoparticle hybrid materials for next-generation electronic, optoelectronic, environmental, and energy-related applications. Through extensive work on poly(thiophene-co-pyrrole), poly(aniline-co-pyrrole), poly(indole), and polypyrrole-based nanocomposites, he has developed novel materials exhibiting enhanced dielectric behavior, thermal stability, conductivity, optical activity, and photocatalytic efficiency. His contributions include the creation of manganese oxide-, copper–alumina-, Boehmite-, and chitosan-based nanocomposites tailored for gas sensing, antibacterial coatings, optoelectronics, and photodegradation systems. Sankar’s publications in respected journals such as Materials Research Bulletin, Journal of Molecular Liquids, Polymer Composites, Polymer Bulletin, Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, and RSC Advances demonstrate his strong experimental expertise in impedance spectroscopy, nanostructure engineering, and structure–property relationships. His collaborative book chapter further highlights his interdisciplinary approach to magnetic and dielectric biocomposites. With a steadily growing research portfolio, Sankar S. Menon’s work contributes significantly to advancing functional nanomaterials and sustainable polymer technologies, positioning him as a promising researcher in contemporary materials chemistry.

Profiles : Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Sankar, S., Krishnaraj, T. P., Sunojkumar, P., & Ramesan, M. T. (2025). Chitosan-functionalized poly(thiophene-co-pyrrole) nanocomposites: Promising materials for optoelectronics and antibacterial surfaces. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 437, 128319.

2. Sankar, S., & Ramesan, M. T. (2025). Synthesis of multifunctional poly(thiophene-co-pyrrole)/Boehmite nanocomposites for optoelectronic, dielectric, photocatalytic and antibacterial applications. Polymer Composites.

3. Sankar, S., & Ramesan, M. T. (2024). Copper alumina nanoparticles reinforced poly(pyrrole-co-indole): Characterization, dielectric properties and gas sensing applications. Polymer Bulletin, 81, 5237–5252.

4. Sankar, S., & Ramesan, M. T. (2022). Synthesis, characterization, conductivity, and gas-sensing performance of copolymer nanocomposites based on copper alumina and poly(aniline-co-pyrrole). Polymer Engineering and Science, 62, 2402.

5. Sankar, S., & Ramesan, M. T. (2022). Thermal, optical and temperature-dependent electrical properties of poly(aniline-co-pyrrole)/copper alumina nanocomposites for optoelectronic devices. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 147, 13375.

T. T. Khaleelul Rahman | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Mr. T. T. Khaleelul Rahman | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

University of Calicut | India

T. T. Khaleelul Rahman is an emerging researcher in the fields of Material Science, Computational Physics, Nanoscience, and Energy Storage Technology, currently pursuing an Integrated M.Sc. in Physics at the University of Calicut, Kerala. His research bridges physics, nanotechnology, and sustainable materials, with a focus on developing advanced polymer nanocomposites for multifunctional applications including optoelectronics, antibacterial systems, and energy-related device engineering. Rahman has contributed to two peer-reviewed international publications, including articles in International Journal of Biological Macromolecules and Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials, where he co-developed bio-derived polymer composites reinforced with nanocurcumin and LiAgO-based nanostructures to enhance optical, mechanical, electrical, and antimicrobial properties. His research demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainable nanomaterials and green synthesis for next-generation technologies. His current Scopus metrics reflect 11 citations, 1 h-index, and contributions across 2 indexed documents, emphasizing his early-stage yet impactful scientific engagement. During his academic tenure, Rahman completed a competitive research internship at the Centre for Polymeric Science and Technology, University of Calicut, under the mentorship of Prof. M. T. Ramesan. He has also supported multiple nanocomposite-based research projects involving polymer blends, metal-oxide nanoparticles, and biogenic antimicrobial nanomaterials. His technical competencies span UV-Vis, FTIR, XRD, impedance spectroscopy, MATLAB, Origin, Mathematica, Python, and scientific visualization, strengthening his ability to perform multidisciplinary experimental and computational studies. Beyond research, Rahman is an experienced physics educator, active volunteer, and recipient of notable achievements including the Prof. Joseph Mundassery Scholarship and First Rank in CUCET. With strong academic excellence, proven research capability, and a vision toward sustainable advanced materials, Rahman exemplifies the qualities of a promising young scientist poised to contribute significantly to the scientific community.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Shabah, N. N., Rahman, T. T. K., Gopika, R., & Ramesan, M. T. (2025, July 7). Multifunctional polyvinyl alcohol/maranta arundinacea starch/LiAgO nanocomposites: A sustainable approach for antibacterial and optoelectronic applications. Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials.

Ramesan, M. T., Gopika, R., Rahman, T. T. K., Jamsheena, K. T., & Bahuleyan, B. K. (2025, April). Impact of nanocurcumin on mechanical, optical and electrical properties of chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol blend nanocomposites for sustainable applications. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 309, 142976.