Conjugated Polymers for Next-generation Applications : Synthesis, Properties and Optoelectrochemical Devices

Vijay Kumar is an Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Technology Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. His current research endeavors include the synthesis, processing, and characterization of functional materials, solid-state luminescent materials, soft and ceramic materials, biopolymers, drug delivery devices, and wastewater treatment.

Kashma Sharma is presently working as Assistant Professor of Chemistry, DAV College, Sector-10, Chandigarh. She was awarded UGC Post-Doctoral Fellowship to Women in 2017 and carried out the research work in the Institute of Forensic Science & Criminology, Panjab University Chandigarh. She was a postdoctoral research fellow in the material science group at the University of the Free State, South Africa. She earned her Ph.D. from Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan (H.P.) in Collaboration with the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Jalandhar in 2014. She completed her MSc in Chemistry from Panjab University Chandigarh in 2010. She also worked in Grant-in-aid for the joint center project titled "Joint Center for generating tissue-engineered organs and controlling cell behavior" under Indo-US Joint R&D Networked Center. So far, she has been published more than 25 research papers, and edited two books, and published more than 5 book chapters. Her principal research interests include the synthesis, processing, and characterization of bio-based/biodegradable polymers; drug delivery devices, self-healing composites and multifunctional smart materials, tissue engineering, and wastewater treatment.

Rakesh Sehgal is a Professor (Higher Academic Grade) at the National Institute of Technology Srinagar (J&K), India. He is an outstanding leader with sustained international acclaim for his work on synthesis and characterization (mechanical, metallurgical/metallographic, and tribological) of materials for aerospace, automobile, and bio-medical applications. Dr. Sehgal has investigated various materials such as adamite, piston alloys, stir cast aluminum-silicon alloys (hyper and hypo-eutectoid), copolymers, titanium alloys, tool & die steels, polymers, and nano-composites for machining parameters optimization and tribological behaviour. Prof. Sehgal served as Vice-President of Indian Society of Theoretical & Applied Mechanics (ISTAM) during 2001-2003, Executive member of Tribology Society of India (TSI) for 02 terms, and member of academic bodies of many other institutions. He has chaired technical sessions in many prestigious International and National Conferences. Prof. Sehgal received the Best Teacher Award for the year 2006-07. He is instrumental in introducing the concept of Project-Based Learning in NIT Hamirpur which has benefitted a large number of UG students in securing admissions in prestigious International Universities for MS/Ph.D. Prof. Sehgal has a distinguished career of 35 years in the field, teaching, research and administration. Prof. Sehgal has supervised 11 Ph.D. scholars in the area of tribo-materials for various industrial applications in automobile, aerospace, metal rolling and biomedical sectors. He is presently guiding 04 Ph.D. scholars in the area of metal composites for biomedical applications. He has also supervised 09 M.Tech. and 48 B.Tech. dissertations. Prof. Sehgal has published 168 research papers in International/National Journals and International/National conference proceedings. He has attended more than 35 International/National conferences in India and abroad. He has published one reference book on Performance Evaluation of Bearings, thirteen high-quality book chapters, and edited four books for Springer and Elsevier. Prof. Sehgal has completed many externally sponsored research projects worth in the area of Bearings Tribology and Mechatronics. He has established state-of-the-art facilities for research in the area of Bearings and Materials Tribology at NIT Hamirpur (H.P.). Prof. Sehgal has delivered 40 invited expert talks in various organizations in India and Abroad. He is currently working in the field of biomedical science and technology including the synthesis of smart materials, nanomaterials and tribological materials.

Susheel Kalia is Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Chemistry, at the Army Cadet College Wing of the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, India. He was a Postdoc Researcher in 2013 and a Visiting Professor at the University of Bologna, Italy in 2020. Kalia has published over 85 research articles in international journals, as well as co-editing 20 books, authored 11 book chapters, and received more than 8,000 citations over his academic career. His research interests include polymeric bio- and nanocomposites, surface modification, conducting polymers, nanofibers, nanoparticles, nano ferrites, hybrid materials, and hydrogels. Dr. Kalia is Series Editor of a book series on polymer and composite materials, and an editorial board member of the International Journal of Plastics Technology. In addition, he is a member of several professional organizations, including the Asian Polymer Association, Indian Cryogenics Council, the Society for Polymer Science, the Indian Society of Analytical Scientists, and the International Association of Advanced Materials.