Handbook of Natural Polymers, Volume 3

Dr. Sreekala Meyyarappallil Sadasivan is recognized for her research in the field of polymer macro, micro and nanocomposites, polymer foams and their blends. After receiving her Ph.D. in Chemistry (Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam), she held research positions in the Japan and Germany before joining the Sree Sankara College. Currently she is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at School of Chemical Sciences, director of School of Polymer Science and Technology (SPST) and Joint director of School of Nanoscience and Technology (SNST) and International and Inter University Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IIUCNN), Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. The research in Sreekala’s laboratory is focused on development and property improvements of polymer composites for high end automotive, aerospace and structural applications, development of fully biodegradable, green and sustainable polymer composites from natural fibers, biopolymers etc. for industrial application, electronic applications of polymer nanocomposites such as nanogenerators, electromagnetic shielding (EMI) etc., biomedical applications of polymer composites for effective wound healing and development of biofiller entrapped polymer nanocomposites for water remediation. She was ranked among the top 2% of scientists in the world (Rising Stars List) according to a subject-by subject study undertaken by a team from Stanford University and Scopus experts for the years 2019, 2020 and 2021. She has an h-index of 38 and total citation of 7306. She is a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry and Indian Rubber Institute, and was the recipient of JSPS and AvH fellowship, CSIR senior research fellowship and ICS-UNIDO fellowship.Dr. Lakshmipriya Ravindran is NavaKerala Post-Doctoral Fellow (NKPDF), International and Inter University Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IIUCNN) Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, India- 686560. With a focus on a wide array of research areas, her contributions have been instrumental in advancing the field of materials science and nanotechnology. Her primary research interests encompass the synthesis of nano materials sourced from both bio-origin and synthetic materials. A significant portion of her work revolves around the preparation of nanocomposites and macrocomposites, exploring their applications across various domains. Her expertise extends to the realm of flexible electronics, polymer foams, polymer hydrogels, and membranes designed for water purification. Dr. Ravindran has also delved into the conversion of biomass for energy storage, a crucial area for sustainable energy solutions. She has authored many papers, book chapters and edited books. She convened many international conferences. Also delivered invited talks in international conferences within India and abroad. She has bagged best oral presentation in an international conference and best poster presentation in a national conference.Prof. Koichi Goda is Chair of Mechanical Engineering and Full Professor, in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, at Yamaguchi University, Japan. Prof. Goda has significant experience in areas including biopolymers, composite materials, reliability, and nanotechnology, with recent research focusing on green composites. He has received numerous awards for his work in including most recently the Meritorious Contribution Award from JCOM (Committee on Composite Materials of JSMS – The Society of Materials Science, Japan) in 2018, and the JSMS Award for Distinguished Service to Chugoku Branch in 2020.Sabu Thomas is a Professor and Director of the International and Interuniversity Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, India. Professor Thomas is internationally recognized for his contributions to polymer science and engineering, with his research interests encompassing polymer nanocomposites, elastomers, polymer blends, interpenetrating polymer networks, polymer membranes, green composites, nanocomposites, nanomedicine, and green nanotechnology. His groundbreaking inventions in polymer nanocomposites, polymer blends, green bionanotechnology, and nano-biomedical sciences have significantly advanced the development of new materials for the automotive, space, housing, and biomedical fields.

• 1. Opportunities and versatile applications of natural biopolymers- State of the art2. Polysaccharides for biosensing3. Novel applications of Albumin as drug carrier4. Collagen and its cosmetic applications5. Silk fibroin as biosensor6. Applications of natural biopolymers in Textile Industry7. Natural biopolymer adhesives/coatings8. Natural polymers for Food Industry9. Natural polymers as super adsorbents10. Natural polymers for 3D printing: Fabrication technologies and applications11. Natural polymers for paper Industry12. Role of Natural polymers in nanoelectronics13. Natural polymers for pervaporation, separation and fuel cell applications14. Natural Polymers based reinforced composites for military applications 15. Hydrogels, aerogels and foams of natural biopolymers and its applications16. Smart device applications of natural polymer-ionic liquid composites17. Development of Natural polymer membranes/beads for water purification18. Bio medical and dental applications of Natural polymers19. Wound healing applications of natural polymers20. Gelatin as supercapacitors and batteries21. Batteries, supercapacitors and fuel cell applications of natural polymers22. Packaging applications of natural polymers an alternative to synthetic polymers23. Transformation of natural polymers to biofuels24. Natural polymers assisted fabrication of Transition metal Nano-agents for Environmental remediation25. Applications of lignin as blends, composites, IPNs and Gels