Photo by Gaby Indermaur (from left) PPS President Ghosh, Professor Milad Kamkar, Dr. Hufenus
Professor Milad Kamkar has been awarded the 2023 Early Career Award by the Polymer Processing Society. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding young researchers who have obtained their PhD in the field of polymer processing within the past eight years.
The award ceremony took place in May at the 38th International Conference of the Polymer Processing Society in St. Gallen, Switzerland. In addition to receiving the award, Kamkar was also a keynote speaker at the conference and chaired the Polymer Composite Session.
Kamkar's originality, research excellence, and potential for continuing innovation in the field of polymer research science and processing have earned him international recognition. When asked about his achievement, Kamkar expressed his gratitude, saying, "I feel honoured to be among other experts in the field who have won this award".
During his doctoral studies at the University of Calgary, Kamkar conducted research on soft materials flow behaviour, including polymer rheology utilizing large deformations to generate new data for processing optimization. Kamkar has made significant contributions to the understanding of nano and micro-structural features of polymeric systems (polymer nanocomposites, blends, solutions, hydrogels etc.) via advanced linear and nonlinear rheological techniques. Kamkar’s expertise on nonlinear rheology of polymeric materials led to an invitation from the Journal of Progress in Polymer Science to write a review paper.
After completing his PhD, he joined the University of British Columbia (UBC) as a postdoctoral fellow. Kamkar applied his extensive knowledge in rheology and nanotechnology to develop multifunctional, innovative polymeric-/nanomaterials-based inks and composites for additive manufacturing of soft functional materials and aerogels with advanced applications. This method is cost-effective and flexible, promoting sustainability by minimizing waste.
Kamkar and his research group have successfully created a variety of sustainable polymeric systems based on natural polymers like cellulose, which contribute to a circular economy and reduce plastic waste by utilizing biodegradable polymers.
In addition, to his contributions to the development of a range of bio-based sustainable soft materials for 3D printing, he has proposed new techniques for processing functional polymers and liquids. These techniques include “liquid streaming” and eco-friendly alternative routes to the traditional and time-consuming nanocomposite fabrication methods such as solution mixing that requires toxic solvents.
Recently, in collaboration with UBC Professors Orlando Rojas and Johan Foster, they have introduced a new technique for creating biobased polymer nanocomposites that don’t involve toxic solvents.
Their research publication in Carbohydrate Polymers discusses the process of direct milling as an efficient and eco-friendly way of mixing polymers with thermally sensitive plant-based nanomaterials. Researchers utilize a jar with metal balls and incorporate cellulose-based sustainable nanomaterials and polymers. The mixture is broken down into micron-sized polymers, resulting in a uniform blend of high-performance polymer and sustainable nanomaterial leading to nanocomposites with significantly improved mechanical properties compared to neat polymers. These strong bio-based polymeric nanocomposites have the potential to be used in different industries including aerospace and automotive.
Congratulations Kamkar on this significant achievement! He continues to work on leading-edge polymer research.