Speaker Name: Prof. Titash Mondal, Associate Professor, Rubber Technology Centre, IIT Kharagpur
Date: 14-10-2026 (Wednesday)
Time: 14:30
Venue: LC001
Abstract: Polymer nanocomposites, which combine polymer with nanomaterials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and nanoparticles, are emerging as transformative materials for this paradigm. These composites offer unique properties, including flexibility, lightweight design, mechanical robustness, and enhanced electrical conductivity, making them pivotal for a range of applications.
One prominent use of polymer nanocomposites is in sensors, where the electrical conductivity of conductive fillers is leveraged to develop resistive sensors that exhibit changes in resistance in response to external stimuli. In this talk, specific examples of multifunctional sensors across different sensor types will be discussed. The work was extended to the domain of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). This is achieved through appropriately tuning the dielectric properties. Such tunable compositions could also be leveraged to develop functional polymer nanocomposite based coatings that assist in the development of self-powered textiles.
Accordingly, this talk highlights the potential of polymer nanocomposites as a cornerstone for achieving sensor and TENG development goals, offering solutions for automation and greener energy-harvesting technologies.
Bio: Dr Titash Mondal is currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Rubber Technology Centre, IIT Kharagpur. Before joining academia, he worked at Momentive Performance Materials on silicone rubber composites. His research focuses on elastomer-composite-based flexible/wearable sensors and triboelectric nanogenerators. With over a decade of work on graphene–polymer systems, he has authored numerous high-impact papers, holds patents, and edited a book. Dr. Mondal is an Associate Faculty member of the School of Nanoscience and Technology at IIT Kharagpur. Dr. Mondal is a National Committee Member of the Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Education, Government of India. He is on the Editorial Board of Macromolecular Rapid Communications, Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics, Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Journal of Polymer Science, Scientific Reports, and Discover Nano. As a Principal Investigator, Dr. Mondal is leading projects worth USD 5.2 million, funded by different funding agencies.
Dr. Mondal has received several awards, including the 2025 SPARKS-THOMAS Award from the American Chemical Society (USA), (First Indian and fourth Asian to receive this award since its inception in 1986), 2026 Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part A: Pure and Applied Chemistry Early Career Researcher Prize from the Taylor & Francis (USA), 2026 Associate of the West Bengal Academy of Science and Technology 2024 Faculty Excellence Award (Assistant Professor Level), IIT Kharagpur.