7 publications
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Published Subscription Original Research Special issue
Thermo-hydraulic Performance of Annular-Finned Double-Pipe Heat Exchanger: Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Metallic and Polymer Composite Tube Wall MaterialsBy Rushikesh Ghodekar, Aditya Phalke, Vaibhav Gobbur, Jyoti Gunjotkar, Abhijit Malge, Pramod Kothmire
Abstract: Double-pipe heat exchangers are central to the process industries — dependable, easily maintained, and straightforward to fabricate. Their conventional form relies on metallic tube materials, most often copper or stainless steel. Both metals conduct heat well, but they are dense, prone to corrosion in aggressive service environments, and increasingly at odds with the light-weighting goals that drive modern system design. Fibre-reinforced polymer composites, epoxy-based materials, and thermally enhanced thermoplastics such …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 3, 2026 · pp. 891–909 Read article →
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Published Subscription Original Research Special issue
Experimental and CFD Investigation of an Epoxy-Based Thermally Conductive Polymer Composite U-Tube Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchanger: A Lightweight Alternative to Conventional Metal SystemsBy Pranay Karkal, Yash Padhen, Sunita Barve, Pramod Kothmire
Abstract: Shell-and-tube heat exchangers continue to play a critical role in industrial thermal systems; however, their conventional design based on fully metallic materials often leads to challenges related to weight, corrosion, and cost. In recent years, thermally conductive polymer composites have emerged as promising alternatives, offering improved corrosion resistance and design flexibility. In this study, the thermo-hydraulic performance of a U-tube shell-and-tube heat exchanger is investigated by partially replacing conventional metallic …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 685–700 Read article →
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Published Subscription Original Research Special issue
Thermo-Hydraulic Enhancement of Annular Finned Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchangers Using Epoxy-Based Polymer Composites: A Material–Geometry Coupled CFD InvestigationBy Omkar Karlekar, Prathmesh Galande, Om Pol, Sunita Barve, Pramod Kothmire
Abstract: Shell-and-tube heat exchangers remain a backbone of industrial thermal systems, yet their performance is often limited by relatively low shell-side heat transfer and the weight and cost associated with conventional metallic components. In this context, the integration of polymer composite materials offers a promising pathway toward lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and performance-tunable heat exchanger designs. The present study investigates the thermo-hydraulic performance of a straight-tube shell-and-tube heat exchanger equipped with annular fins, …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 669–684 Read article →
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Published Subscription Original Research Special issue
Multiphysics Optimization of Polymer–Metal Hybrid Electrode Geometry in Electrostatic Precipitators for Enhanced Particle Collection EfficiencyBy Shivam Kapure, Poonam Rathod, Abhay Patil, Hariom Rai, Pramod Kothmire
Abstract: Electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) remain one of the most effective technologies for controlling fine particulate emissions in industrial exhaust systems. However, their performance is strongly influenced by electrode geometry and material characteristics, which govern electric field distribution, corona stability, and particle migration behaviour. In this study, a comprehensive numerical investigation is carried out to optimize electrode geometry using a multiphysics modelling framework, while introducing a novel polymer–metal hybrid design to enhance …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 701–716 Read article →
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Published Subscription Original Research Special issue
Corrugated Tube Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchanger Using Epoxy-Based Polymer Composite Coatings for Lightweight and Efficient Thermal SystemsBy Tanishq Dabhade, Tanmay Gawari, Prashant Nawale, Bhavesh Shah, Shitalkumar Jain, Pramod Kothmire
Abstract: Corrugated tube geometries are widely recognized for their ability to enhance heat transfer through boundary layer disruption and secondary flow generation. In this study, a combined experimental and computational investigation is carried out to evaluate the thermo-hydraulic performance of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger incorporating corrugated stainless steel tubes integrated with an epoxy-based polymer composite coating and housed within a mild steel shell. Unlike conventional metallic systems, the present work introduces …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 603–617 Read article →
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Published Subscription Original Research Special issue
Thermo–Electrical Performance Enhancement of a Lightweight Polymer–Metal Hybrid Electrostatic Precipitator Using Epoxy-Based Composite Housing for Industrial Particulate ControlBy Bharat Mankar, Yash Gopale, Sakshi Balghare, Prasad Jadhav, Pramod Kothmire
Abstract: Airborne particulate emissions, particularly PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ produced by industrial activities and combustion processes, they continue to pose a significant threat to both the environment and public health. Electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) are widely recognized for their ability to achieve high collection efficiencies; however, conventional metallic constructions often lead to increased system weight, higher fabrication costs, and long-term corrosion-related challenges. In this study, a lightweight hybrid material approach is proposed by …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 652–668 Read article →
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Published Subscription Original Research Special issue
Characterization and Performance of a Multiphase Lignocellulosic-Polymeric Composite Growth Media in an IoT-Automated NFT Hydroponic SystemBy Suyash Dixit, Kunal Londhe, Ashish Patil, Shravani Kanase, Mahesh Goudar, Pramod Kothmire
Abstract: Hydroponics utilizing the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) entails a type of soilless agriculture involving the delivery of a continuously flowing and thin film of nutrient-filled solution onto the roots of plants. With the move toward sustainable and efficient urban agriculture in the contemporary world and need to produce more effective and resource-efficient solutions, there have been significant efforts aimed at improving these techniques through advanced materials and automation. A consistent …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 542–555 Read article →