Ram Kumar | Materials Science and Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Dr. Ram Kumar | Materials Science and Engineering | Best Researcher Award

PhD | Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee | India

Dr. Ram Kumar Deshmukh’s research work centers on advancing sustainable, intelligent, and high-performance food packaging systems through the development of innovative biopolymer-based materials, nanocomposites, active coatings, and smart indicators. His projects emphasize agro-waste valorization, edible films, antimicrobial and antioxidant packaging systems, ethylene and oxygen scavenging technologies, and the enhancement of barrier, mechanical, and functional properties in biodegradable films using halloysite nanotubes, micro-fibrillated cellulose, natural extracts, and clay-based composites. He has contributed extensively to the design of smart food packaging solutions, including temperature-sensitive labels, UV-blocking films, ethylene-scavenging indicators, and edible inks, targeting shelf-life extension, freshness monitoring, and real-time quality assessment of fresh produce. His experience includes hands-on involvement in laboratory-scale and pilot-scale packaging material development, optimization of heat-sealable and flexible films, and studies on the physicochemical, microstructural, antimicrobial, and antioxidant performance of biocomposites. He has also worked on sustainable cushioning materials derived from pine needle biomass, functionalized paper packaging reinforced with agro-waste, and natural phenolic-coated polyolefin films for active protection of food products. His research interests extend to natural antioxidants, essential oils, mucilage-based films, reinforced bioplastics, modified atmosphere packaging, carbon-dot applications, and microbial exopolysaccharide films, contributing to emerging trends in environmentally friendly packaging technologies. With strong experience in scientific publishing, peer-reviewing, and presenting research at national and international platforms, he actively contributes to global discussions on sustainable material innovation. His work reflects a commitment to creating eco-conscious packaging alternatives by integrating green chemistry, nanotechnology, and biomaterial engineering, while addressing industry-relevant challenges such as food spoilage, postharvest losses, and environmental impacts of conventional plastics. Through interdisciplinary collaborations and continuous exploration of functional agents from natural resources, he aims to advance next-generation active and intelligent packaging solutions that support food safety, quality preservation, and environmental sustainability.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar 
Publications:

Rout, S., Tambe, S., Deshmukh, R. K., Mali, S., Cruz, J., Srivastav, P. P., Amin, P. D., et al. (2022). Recent trends in the application of essential oils: The next generation of food preservation and food packaging. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 129, 421–439.

Deshmukh, R. K., Akhila, K., Ramakanth, D., & Gaikwad, K. K. (2022). Guar gum/carboxymethyl cellulose based antioxidant film incorporated with halloysite nanotubes and litchi shell waste extract for active packaging. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 201, 1–13.

Deshmukh, R. K., & Gaikwad, K. K. (2024). Natural antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds for active food packaging applications. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 14(4), 4419–4440.

Siddiqui, S. A., Yang, X., Deshmukh, R. K., Gaikwad, K. K., Bahmid, N. A., & Munoz, R. C. (2024). Recent advances in reinforced bioplastics for food packaging–A critical review. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 263, 130399.

Deshmukh, R. K., Kumar, L., & Gaikwad, K. K. (2023). Halloysite nanotubes for food packaging application: A review. Applied Clay Science, 234, 106856.

Tripathi, S., Kumar, L., Deshmukh, R. K., & Gaikwad, K. K. (2024). Ultraviolet blocking films for food packaging applications. Food and Bioprocess Technology, 17(6), 1563–1582.

Loannis Christodoulou | Materials Science and Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Mr. Loannis Christodoulou | Materials Science and Engineering | Best Researcher Award

PhD Candidate | National Technical University of Athens | Greece

Mr. Ioannis Christodoulou’s research activities encompass advanced studies in manufacturing technologies, additive manufacturing, and the mechanical behavior of composite materials. His current work as a researcher in the national AMOS Project focuses on the development and experimental evaluation of auxetic lattice structures designed for biomedical implants, emphasizing mechanical adaptability and biocompatibility. He has significant project experience in the modeling and optimization of high-deposition-rate 3D printing processes for amorphous materials, supported by competitive research funding. His applied engineering expertise extends to projects such as digitalizing hospital operation rooms, developing smart urban infrastructure like automated VR benches, and designing precision mechanical systems such as fabric tape winding mechanisms. His research interests lie in additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping, finite element analysis, and mechanical design automation. Christodoulou has contributed to multiple peer-reviewed publications on Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), exploring surface roughness, geometrical accuracy, and mechanical properties of composite filaments like Nylon-Carbon Fiber and ABS-Kevlar. His investigations integrate experimental work with computational modeling, reflecting a strong commitment to improving the efficiency and performance of 3D printing systems. In parallel, his professional experience includes roles in mechanical design and optimization across industries such as interior engineering and elevator manufacturing, where he implemented CAD-based automation to enhance production workflows. He has presented his findings at numerous international conferences and has been recognized with distinctions including first place in the NASA Space Apps Challenge and the NTUA Student Innovative Paper Award. His continuing research aims to expand the practical capabilities of additive manufacturing for industrial and medical applications, promoting sustainable innovation and precision in material processing and design engineering.

Profile: Google Scholar
Featured Publications:

  • Alexopoulou, V. E., Christodoulou, I. T., & Markopoulos, A. P. (2022). Effect of printing speed and layer height on geometrical accuracy of FDM-printed resolution holes of PETG artifacts. Engineering Proceedings, 24(1), 11.

  • Christodoulou, I. T., Alexopoulou, V. E., Karkalos, N. E., Papazoglou, E. L., & Markopoulos, A. P. (2022). On the surface roughness of 3D printed parts with FDM by a low-budget commercial printer. Cutting & Tools in Technological System, 52–64.

  • Christodoulou, I. T., Alexopoulou, V. E., & Markopoulos, A. P. (2024). An experimental investigation of the mechanical properties of fused filament fabricated nylon-carbon fiber composites. Cutting & Tools in Technological System, 148–167.

  • Alexopoulou, V. E., Christodoulou, I. T., & Markopoulos, A. P. (2024). Investigation of printing speed impact on the printing accuracy of fused filament fabrication (FFF) ABS artefacts. Manufacturing Technology, 24, 333–337.

  • Christodoulou, I., Alexopoulou, V., & Markopoulos, A. P. (2023). Study and development of a high-speed fused filament fabrication 3D printer. In 2023 8th South-East Europe Design Automation, Computer Engineering, Computer Applications Conference (SEE-Conference).