This book serves as a comprehensive laboratory guide to polymer science, bridging theoretical foundations with hands-on experimental practice. As the first installment of a four-volume series, it focuses on synthesizing polymers and biomaterials, and on the analytical techniques for their identification. The series collectively spans the full scope of polymeric materials, including testing and characterization (Volume 2), rheology and processing (Volume 3), and degradation and recycling (Volume 4). All experiments are described according to ASTM industry standards, covering polymer types from plastics and rubbers to fibers, blends, and composites. Each volume opens with an overview of its topic and emphasizes practical applications. Undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as research scholars, will find this book to be an accessible guide and a comprehensive resource, providing a holistic understanding of experimental techniques in polymer science.
Prof. Susmita Dey Sadhu is a Professor, currently working as the teacher-in-charge at the Department of Polymer Science, Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, University of Delhi. She has completed her masters in chemistry (University of Burdwan, WB) followed by Ph.D. in Rubber Technology from IIT-Kharagpur in 2005. Her research interest includes fields like packaging, blend and composites, nanocomposites, adhesive applications, and advanced materials. She is associated with various professional organisations like Asian Polymer Association, Indian Plastic Institute, Polymer Processing Academy, and more. She has numerous publications in international journals, 3 patents, has authored several books and book chapters. Till date, Prof. Sadhu has completed 5 projects funded by various agencies.
Dr. Bhasha Sharma is a visiting faculty member at the University of Delhi, with teaching and research experience in polymer science and sustainable materials. She previously served as a faculty member at Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT), Delhi, for six years, followed by two years at Shivaji College, University of Delhi. Dr. Sharma completed her B.Sc. in Polymer Sciences in 2011 and received her Ph.D. in Chemistry in 2019 from the University of Delhi under the guidance of Dr. Purnima Jain. She has numerous publications in several international journals and has contributed over 22 book chapters. She has edited several academic works, including Graphene-based Biopolymer Nanocomposites (Springer Nature) and 3D Printing Technology for Sustainable Polymers. Her research interests focus on sustainable polymer innovations for packaging applications, environmentally benign strategies for plastic degradation, fabrication of advanced bio nanocomposites, and enhancing the electrochemical performance of biopolymers for energy-related applications. In recognition of her research contributions, Dr. Sharma received research awards from Netaji Subhas University of Technology in 2023 and 2024.
Dr. Vijay Chaudhary is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Amity University Noida. He completed his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Netaji Subhas University of Technology (University of Delhi). Dr. Chaudhary has published more than 120 research papers in various international journals and conferences. In addition to research articles, he has authored and edited several academic books focusing on nanomaterials, polymer composites, sustainability, and advanced coatings. Dr. Chaudhary’s research interests primarily focus on the processing and characterization of polymer composites, particularly biofiber-based composites. His research explores tribological behavior, water absorption characteristics, and surface modification techniques aimed at improving performance and sustainability of composite materials, with a special emphasis on the use of eco-friendly and green composite technologies for engineering and biomedical applications.
Prof Anup K Ghosh is former Head of the Department and Professor in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. He is currently the Professor Emeritus at Indian Institute of Packaging.. Prof. Ghosh is a Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, India, and previously held the Reliance Chair Professor position at IIT Delhi. He obtained his M.Tech. degree in Chemical Engineering from IIT Kanpur, India, in 1982, and his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the State University of New York at Buffalo, NY, USA, in 1986. He worked as a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Pittsburgh, USA, until 1990 and then joined IIT Delhi in 1991. His research areas include polymer science and engineering, packaging materials and technology, and microcellular processing.
