STM Journals Peer-reviewed research from Consortium e-Learning Network

5 publications

  • Published Subscription Review Article

    Polymeric Hybrid Systems Engineered with Multiple-Stage Energy Absorption for Temperature Control

    By G. Sunil, Selvaraju, T.S. Senthil, N. Saikumari, S. Nooray Sashmi, Sivakumar A., Zakir Hussain, J. Sharmila, Shailendra Kumar Bohidar

    Abstract: Polymer–composite based phase change systems offer an effective strategy for adaptive thermal management; however, most existing systems exhibit single-stage latent heat transitions, limiting their applicability in environments with fluctuating thermal loads. In this study, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) polymer matrix was reinforced with two microencapsulated paraffin-based phase change materials (PCM-A and PCM-B) to achieve multi-level latent heat storage behavior. The fabricated TPU/PCM-A10–B20 polymer–composite demonstrated two distinct endothermic transitions at approximately …

    Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 146–155 Read article

  • Published Subscription Original Research

    Electroactive Graphene–Polymer Nanocomposites for Self-Sustaining and Multifunctional Flexible Devices

    By J. Lurdhumary, Suguna B. Rao, S. Nooray Sashmi, Praveen Vundrajavarapu, V.G. Pratheep, G. Nixon Samuel Vijayakumar, V. Pandyaraj, K. Manimekalai, Zakir Hussain

    Abstract: Graphene–reinforced polymer–composites were developed and systematically investigated to explore their multifunctionality in flexible electronic applications. The study specifically aims to correlate graphene-induced structure–property–function relationships with electroactive performance and self-sustaining behaviour in flexible devices. The hybridization of electroactive polymers—polyaniline (PANI), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): polystyrene sulphonate (PEDOT:PSS), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)—with graphene nanoplatelets enabled simultaneous enhancement of electroactivity, energy-harvesting, and sensing functionalities. Morphological studies confirmed uniform graphene dispersion at 5 wt.% loading, forming continuous …

    Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 6, 2025 · pp. 260–271 Read article

  • Published Subscription Original Research

    Development of Polymer–Micro-Aluminum Composites for Lightweight Engineering Applications

    By P. Saravana Kumar, D. Sudha, Nantha Kumar P, N. Rajesh, T. Venkatamuni, Sivakumar A., J. Sharmila, Shailendra Kumar Bohidar, Zakir Hussain

    Abstract: This research focuses on the systematic development of polymer–micro aluminum composites, with polypropylene (PP) and epoxy selected as representative polymer matrices. Micro aluminum fillers in the range of 5–25 wt.% were incorporated through melt blending (PP) and casting (epoxy), and the resulting composites were evaluated in terms of mechanical performance, microstructural integrity, and crystalline characteristics. Tensile strength of the composites increased significantly, from 31 MPa in neat PP to 44 …

    Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 6, 2025 · pp. 1–12 Read article

  • Published Subscription Original Research

    Polymer–Gel Composite Phase Change Materials: A Functional Polymer Composite Approach for Solar-Thermal Energy Storage in Building Facades

    By M. Balaji, K. Dilip Kumar, Kiran A. Dongre, Ajay Veludurthi, R. Sethuraman, Peyyala Pramod Kumar, Baddepudi Malathi, G. Nixon Samuel Vijayakumar, Zakir Hussain

    Abstract: This study investigates polymer–composite phase change materials (PCMs) in the form of polymer–gel hybrids as multifunctional systems for solar–thermal energy storage in building façades. Paraffin- and PEG-based PCMs were embedded into polyurethane and acrylic gel matrices to create shape-stabilized polymer–composites with high PCM loading (70–80 wt%). Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) confirmed distinct melting/freezing transitions at ~56°C (paraffin) and ~42°C (PEG), with enthalpy values of 120–150 J/g, closely matching theoretical predictions, …

    Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 6, 2025 · pp. 36–51 Read article

  • Published Subscription Original Research

    Graphene-Derived Reinforced Polymer Composites for Self-Healing and Durability Enhancement in Concrete Structures

    By V. Ravi Raj, Neethi Madhavan C.S, Bikash Chandra Saha, Manu Vijay, D. Sudha, S. Sivakumar, R. M. Karthikeyan, Shailendra Kumar Bohidar, Zakir Hussain

    Abstract: This study presents a matrix-centric polymer-composite repair binder: an epoxy–polyamide network reinforced with graphene derivatives (GO/rGO, 0.1–1.0 wt%). The polymer drives function via segmental mobility that closes microcracks, while 2D-filler topology densifies the interphase, improves load transfer, and enforces tortuous moisture pathways. Adhesion was high: pull-off (ASTM D4541) reached 13.5 MPa at 2.0 mm displacement; slant-shear (ASTM C882) reached 12.1 MPa at 2.8 mm, with greater deformation capacity (zero stress …

    Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 6, 2025 · pp. 77–91 Read article

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