Muhammad Atiqullah | Polymer Chemistry | Innovative Research Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atiqullah | Polymer Chemistry | Innovative Research Award

National Company for Mechanical Systems | Saudi Arabia

Dr. Muhammad Atiqullah is an accomplished scientific and technical leader whose career spans four decades of continuous contributions to chemical engineering, polymer science, materials science, and defense-related composite technologies. His work integrates advanced research, technical consulting, academic leadership, and industrial innovation, with a strong specialization in polymer reaction engineering, polyolefin catalysts, and thermoset polymer composites. As a Senior R&D Engineer and consultant in the defense sector, he focuses on developing high-performance composite materials and selecting polymeric systems for critical defense applications. His extensive experience at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals includes serving as Professor, Senior Research Engineer, founding director of major research centers, and contributor to establishing national research infrastructures. He led large-scale, high-impact collaborative programs with global organizations and developed strategic research initiatives in polyolefin catalysts, synthetic lubricants, polymeric flow aids, and advanced composite materials. Dr. Atiqullah’s work has generated substantial national value, including major competitive research funding and industry-sponsored projects. He is the lead inventor of multiple U.S. patents and has published extensively in high-ranking scientific journals, earning over a thousand citations. His editorial leadership includes serving as Editor-in-Chief of a materials science journal, and he is widely recognized as an expert reviewer across numerous scientific platforms. His research encompasses defense polymer composites, energy-efficient polymer processes, catalyst development, and high-value polyolefin technologies that underpin modern materials engineering and industrial chemistry. Beyond research, he has mentored graduate researchers, developed advanced laboratories, shaped research strategies, and contributed to national innovation ecosystems. Recognized through prestigious fellowships, awards, and leadership roles, Dr. Atiqullah continues to pursue scientific advancements with a forward-looking vision to establish specialized centers for defense polymer composites and to promote innovation-driven economic growth through technology development and talent cultivation.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Rawas, Y. A., Abdelaal, A. F., Al‐Muallem, H. A., & Atiqullah, M. (2025). Effects of catalyst activation, deactivation, and active site physical residential environment on ethylene−α‐olefin elastomeric copolymerization. Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics, e00406.

2. Atiqullah, M., Abdelaal, A. F., Adamu, S., & Alasiri, H. S. (2024). Catalytic making of ethylene-1-hexene elastomers: Thermodynamic guide to process development. AIChE Journal.

3. Atiqullah, M., & Al‐Asiri, H. S. (2022). Polyolefin catalyst research: A product-driven industrial perspective. The Chemical Record.

4. Ahmed, A. K., Atiqullah, M., Al-Harthi, M. A., Abdelaal, A. F., & Pradhan, D. R. (2020). Nonisothermal crystallization of Ziegler-Natta i-PP-graphene nanocomposite: DSC and new model prediction. The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering, 98(6), 1398–1410.

5. Atiqullah, M., Al-Sarkhi, A. S., Al-Thenayan, F. M., Al-Malki, A. R., & Alasiri, H. S. (2019). Energy-saving UHMW polymeric flow aids: Catalyst and polymerization process development. Catalysts, 9(1002), 1–15.

Khaydar Yunusov | Polymer Chemistry | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Prof. Dr. Khaydar Yunusov | Polymer Chemistry | Research Excellence Award

Institute of Polymer Chemistry and Physics, Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences | Uzbekistan

Prof. Khaydar Ergashovich Yunusov, DSc, is a distinguished scientist in polymer science, cellulose chemistry, and biomaterials, recognized for more than two decades of impactful research and innovation. As Head of the Laboratory of Cellulose and Its Derivatives Chemistry and Technology at the Institute of Polymer Chemistry and Physics, Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, he has advanced the fundamental understanding and practical application of cellulose-based polymers, biodegradable biomaterials, and nanostructured therapeutic systems. His work integrates molecular-level studies of cellulose modification with the development of functional materials such as nanostructured biofilms, nanofiber mats, hydrogels, antiviral eye films, biosoluble disinfectants, and polymer–nanoparticle composites incorporating Ag, Cu, Se, Zn, Pt, and Au. These materials have been applied to wound healing, burn treatment, drug delivery, antimicrobial therapies, and regenerative medicine. Prof. Yunusov has led multiple national and international projects, contributing significantly to polymer–nanoparticle interaction mechanisms, cellulose supramolecular chemistry, and advanced hydrogel design. His collaborations span China, Belarus, Italy, India, and Thailand, enhancing global scientific exchange and translational research outcomes. With an h-index of 15, more than 60 publications in high-impact journals, and several patented technologies, he has established himself as a leading contributor to polymeric biomaterials research. His commitment to scientific leadership is further reflected in his roles as laboratory manager, project leader, editorial board member, and mentor to young scientists, driving innovation in biomaterials and polymer-based medical technologies.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Yao, R., Wu, Z., Olatunji, O. Y., Yunusov, K. E., Turakulov, F. M. U., Chen, J., & Jiang, G. (2025). In-situ blood glucose level detection based on a non-enzymatic microneedle biosensor. Microchemical Journal, 115991.

Chai, X., Ge, R., Lou, Y., Ugli, T. F. M., Yunusov, K. E., Nie, L., Khan, M. R., & Jiang, G. (2025). Highly adhesive, stretch, antioxidative and antibacterial double-network hydrogel containing artemisinin for infected wound closure and healing. Chemical Engineering Journal, 169775.

Lou, Y., Chai, X., Ji, M., Sun, Y., Turakulov, F. M., Yunusov, K. E., & Jiang, G. (2025). Hyaluronic acid and polyacrylamide composite hydrogel containing viscid germander herb for wound closure and healing. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 148397.

Jing, Y., Lou, Y., Chai, X., Yunusov, K. E., Sun, Y., Ruan, L., & Jiang, G. (2025). Stretchable and self-healing conductive composite hydrogel dressings based on cross-linked gelatin for wound closure under electrical stimulation. Biomedical Materials & Devices, 3(2), 1422–1432.

Wang, R., Sun, Y., Wang, H., Liu, T., Shavandi, A., Nie, L., Yunusov, K. E., & Jiang, G. (2024). Core–shell structured microneedles with programmed drug release functions for prolonged hyperuricemia management. Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 12(4), 1064–1076.