Micro- and Nanocomposites: A Tribological Viewpoint (Multi-Scale and Multi-Functional Materials)

This book aims to explore the field of tribology in micro- and nano-reinforced composites to enhance material performance across a range of applications. Researchers and engineers are actively researching different reinforcement configurations and material combinations to develop composites with superior tribological properties. This research will lead to more efficient and reliable engineering solutions.

Micro- and Nanocomposites: A Tribological Viewpoint will include a brief examination of previous reinforcement techniques and their impact on composite materials. It will also analyze how changes in tribological parameters affect material surface behavior. Understanding the role of tribology is crucial in assessing the performance of reinforced composite materials, especially in sustainable applications. A key focus of the book will be the significance of reinforcement selection from a tribological perspective in studying the environmental impact of modern industrial practices. Case studies are presented at the end of the book to illustrate the key principles discussed throughout.

This book is suitable for researchers, professionals, corporations, and individuals in higher education courses. It can also serve as a valuable reference for those studying advanced composite materials.

Abhijit Bhowmik is currently the head of the department and assistant professor under the Mechanical Engineering Department at Dream Institute of Technology, Kolkata, India. Dr. Bhowmik obtained a B.E. in mechanical engineering from the Tripura Institute of Technology, India, in 2012 and an M. Tech degree in mechanical engineering, specializing in thermal science and engineering from the National Institute of Technology Agartala, India, in 2014. He has served as an assistant professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Dream Institute of Technology, Kolkata, since 2015. In 2023, he completed his Ph.D. from the National Institute of Technology Agartala, India. His research work has been published in 7 patents, 50+ SCI-indexed journals, and 110+ Scopus-indexed journal papers. His research interests span composite materials, tribology, mechanical properties, fracture analysis, welding, microstructural evaluation, and optimization techniques. Dr. Bhowmik is also a lead guest editor of the renowned publishers Sage, De Gruyter Brill, and Bentham Science Publishers. He is an associate member of the Institution of Engineers, India.

Jitendra Kumar Katiyar is an associate professor at the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India. He has 10 years of teaching and research experience. Dr. Katiyar’s research interests include modern manufacturing techniques, tribology of carbon materials, polymer composites, self-lubricating polymers, lubrication tribology, and coatings for advanced technologies. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from UPTU Lucknow, India, with honors in 2007, his master’s from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur in 2010, and his Ph.D. from the same institution in 2017. He is a life member of the Tribology Society of India; the Malaysian Society of Tribology; the Institute of Engineers, India; the Indian Society for Technical Education (ISTE); the American Society of Mechanical Engineers; and was elected executive committee member of the Tribology Society of India (2024–2026). Dr. Katiyar is also an editor and guest editor of multiple esteemed journals and publishers.

Chander Prakash is Vice Chancellor (Officiating) of Sanskaram University, Jhajjar, Haryana, India. He is an accomplished academic leader with extensive experience in academic administration, research, and global university rankings. A visionary professional, he has driven transformative initiatives in higher education, focusing on elevating institutional reputation and cultivating a thriving research ecosystem. He is a passionate researcher with diversified research interests, such as developing materials for biomedical and healthcare applications and additive manufacturing and developing and exploring new cost-effective manufacturing technologies for biomedical industries. He has published over 550 (450 SCI/Scopus) scientific articles in peer-reviewed, reputable, top-notch journals, conferences, and books. As a prolific author, Prof. Prakash has edited or authored 35 books, served as a series editor for 3 book series, and contributed as a guest editor for leading journals. He is also an editorial board member of highly reputed journals. Beyond publications, Prof. Prakash has significantly contributed to intellectual property rights (IPRs), with 18 patents filed; 6 granted; and has successfully raised $1.2 million in research grants from bodies like DSTSERB, UKIERI-DST, and the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. His outstanding contributions have earned him the Research Excellence Award (2019, 2020, 2021). He has actively contributed to institutional accreditation as a NAAC assessor and chairperson, ensuring academic quality and excellence.

Alokesh Pramanik is a distinguished researcher and academic in the field of mechanical and aerospace engineering, currently serving as a senior lecturer at Curtin University, Australia. With over 20 years of research experience, his expertise spans manufacturing processes, composite materials, and advanced alloys. Dr. Pramanik has authored more than 200 research publications, including books, book chapters, and peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Pramanik is actively involved in the academic community as an associate editor and editorial board member of several prestigious international journals. He is also a sought-after keynote speaker at global conferences, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in his field. Dr. Pramanik’s academic contributions continue to influence both theoretical and applied aspects of mechanical engineering, making him a respected figure in the global research community.

Animesh K. Basak is a well-established academic and researcher in the broad field of materials science and engineering. Upon the completion of his master’s and Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KULeuven), Belgium, Dr. Basak worked as an academic at various Australian universities and is currently working at Adelaide Microscopy, Adelaide University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. Dr. Basak has authored more than 300 research publications, including books, book chapters, and peer-reviewed journal articles in his areas of research. This includes nanostructured materials, high-resolution electron microscopy and probe analysis, nanoscale fabrication of materials, deformation mechanisms of novel materials, nano-mechanics, tribology and tribo-corrosion, and electrochemical measurement techniques. Dr. Basak is actively serving the academic community as journal editor, editorial board member, and reviewer of journals and funding agencies. Dr. Basak also disseminates his research work at global conferences as an invited keynote speaker.