Prof. Vlasios Mavrantzas | Polymers | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Vlasios Mavrantzas | Polymers | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Vlasios Mavrantzas is an esteemed academic and researcher specializing in chemical engineering, polymer science, and soft matter physics. He has contributed extensively to the fields of thermodynamics, molecular simulations, and the rheology of complex fluids. With decades of teaching, research, and leadership experience, he has held positions at leading institutions, including the University of Patras and ETH Zürich. His work bridges fundamental theory and practical applications, influencing advancements in polymer modeling, nanostructured materials, and atmospheric aerosol studies. A dedicated mentor and editor, he continues to shape the global scientific community through his research, publications, and professional service.

University of Patras |  Greece

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Education

Prof. Mavrantzas earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware, USA. His dissertation, “Surface effects on the conformation and rheology of polymer solutions”, was supervised by Prof. A.N. Beris, with a minor in Mathematics and Physics. He also holds a Diploma in Chemical Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Greece, where he graduated top 1% of his class.

Academic Interests

Prof. Vlasios Mavrantzas has a deep academic focus spanning Physical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, Statistical Thermodynamics, and Non-equilibrium Thermodynamics. His expertise also extends to Statistical Mechanics and Molecular Simulations, along with significant work on the Dynamics and Rheology of micro-structured fluids. Additionally, he has applied Finite-Element and Spectral-Element Numerical Methods to address complex problems in chemical engineering science.

Research Interests

His research is centered on modeling and simulation of polymers and soft nanostructured polymeric materials across multiple time and length scales—from atomistic to macroscopic. He specializes in multiscale modeling of chain dynamics and rheology as a function of molecular architecture (linear, branched, rings) and polymer behavior at interfaces such as adhesion, self-assembly, and dynamics in confined geometries. Prof. Mavrantzas has contributed extensively to the thermodynamics of complex fluids under non-equilibrium conditions, constitutive modeling of polymer viscoelasticity, and molecular modeling of the phase state of atmospheric organic aerosol particles. His work also extends into Quantum Field Theory applications in material science.

Professional Experience

Over the years, Prof. Mavrantzas has held distinguished academic and research positions. He has served as Dozent-Lecturer and Guest Professor at ETH Zürich, collaborating with renowned scientists such as Prof. S.E. Pratsinis and Prof. Hans Christian Öttinger. He has been a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Patras, following his tenure as Associate Professor. His earlier career includes roles as Researcher B’ and C’ at FORTH-ICE/HT, Post-Doctoral Research Assistant at the University of Patras, and Ph.D. Research Assistant at the University of Delaware.

Distinctions & Awards

Prof. Mavrantzas is Section Editor-in-Chief for Polymer Physics in Polymers (MDPI) and Associate Editor for Soft Matter Physics in Frontiers in Physics. He serves on the International Advisory Board of Macromolecular Theory and Simulation. His students have won numerous Best Poster and Best Oral Presentation Awards at leading conferences. Personally, he has received the Allan P. Colburn Prize for his Ph.D. dissertation, multiple Excellence Awards from NTUA, and a Competitive Fellowship from the University of Delaware.

Professional Affiliations

He is an active member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), American Physical Society (APS), Society of Rheology (SOR), and the Polymer Processing Society (PPS). He is also affiliated with the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE) and has served as President and Secretary-Treasurer of the Hellenic Society of Rheology (HSR).

Administrative Roles

In addition to his research and teaching, Prof. Mavrantzas has contributed to academic administration as Director of the Inter-department Programme of Graduate Studies in Polymer Science and Technology at the University of Patras and in various leadership positions at the HSR. His leadership has helped shape graduate education and research in polymer science across Greece and internationally.

Notable Publications

End-bridging Monte Carlo: A fast algorithm for atomistic simulation of condensed phases of long polymer chains
Authors: Vlasis G. Mavrantzas, Travis D. Boone, Evangelia Zervopoulou, Doros N. Theodorou
Journal: Macromolecules
Year: 1999

A novel Monte Carlo scheme for the rapid equilibration of atomistic model polymer systems of precisely defined molecular architecture
Authors: Nikos Ch. Karayiannis, Vlasis G. Mavrantzas, Doros N. Theodorou
Journal: Physical Review Letters
Year: 2002

Crossover from the Rouse to the entangled polymer melt regime: signals from long, detailed atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, supported by rheological experiments
Authors: V.A. Harmandaris, V.G. Mavrantzas, D.N. Theodorou, Martin Kröger, J. Ramirez, Hans Christian Öttinger, D. Vlassopoulos
Journal: Macromolecules
Year: 2003

Atomistic molecular dynamics simulation of polydisperse linear polyethylene melts
Authors: Vagelis A. Harmandaris, Vlasis G. Mavrantzas, Doros N. Theodorou
Journal: Macromolecules
Year: 1998

Detailed atomistic simulation of a polymer melt/solid interface: structure, density, and conformation of a thin film of polyethylene melt adsorbed on graphite
Authors: Kostas Ch. Daoulas, Vagelis A. Harmandaris, Vlasis G. Mavrantzas
Journal: Macromolecules
Year: 2005

Molecular dynamics simulation of a polymer melt/solid interface: Local dynamics and chain mobility in a thin film of polyethylene melt adsorbed on graphite
Authors: Vagelis A. Harmandaris, Kostas Ch. Daoulas, Vlasis G. Mavrantzas
Journal: Macromolecules
Year: 2005

Conclusion

Prof. Vlasios Mavrantzas stands as a prominent figure in chemical engineering and polymer science, combining theoretical depth, computational mastery, and experimental collaboration. His career reflects a dedication to advancing knowledge in complex fluids, molecular simulations, and soft matter physics. Through his teaching, editorial work, and leadership roles, he has influenced both academic research and industrial applications. His recognition through awards, editorial positions, and conference contributions underscores his impact in the scientific community. Continually pushing the boundaries of his field, he remains committed to fostering innovation, mentoring emerging researchers, and contributing to the development of advanced materials and sustainable technologies.

Prof. Dr. Xiaolang Chen – Polymers – Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Xiaolang Chen – Polymers – Best Researcher Award

Institution of Advanced Composite Materials, China

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🎓 Academic and Professional Titles

Prof. Dr. Xiaolang Chen is recognized as one of the Reserve Candidates for Academic and Technical Leaders of Sichuan, showcasing his immense potential and leadership in science and technology. He has been honored as a Specially Appointed Expert of Sichuan Province and Chengdu City, and further distinguished as one of the Overseas High-level Talents Abroad in Sichuan Province. Moreover, he contributes significantly as a Specially Appointed Expert of the Sichuan Provincial Expert Service Team, further cementing his role as a key academic and technical leader in the region.

🧪 Academic Research Experience

Since June 2010, Prof. Chen has served as an Associate Professor and then Professor at the Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Technology, Ministry of Education, housed within the School of Materials Science and Engineering, at Southwest Jiaotong University, P. R. China. Concurrently, since July 2010, he has held the position of Guest Professor at the National Engineering Research Center for Compounding and Modification of Polymer Materials. His international academic exposure includes a prestigious Postdoctoral Fellowship (Jan. 2010 – Jan. 2011) at the Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA, where he deepened his research in polymer engineering. Earlier, from September 2008 to April 2009, he served as a Visiting Research Fellow at the Department of Machine Intelligence and Systems Engineering, Akita Prefectural University, Japan. His academic journey began with a Ph.D. (Sept. 2004 – Jun. 2007) at the State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute of Sichuan University.

💼 Direct Research Project Support

Prof. Chen has led and participated in numerous national and international research projects, reflecting the depth and scope of his scientific contributions. He has secured funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (projects: 52473086; 22365009; 51763002; 51003088) and the National Science and Technology Supporting Project Foundation of China (2007BAB08B05). His global collaborations are evident in the International Science and Technology Cooperation Projects of Sichuan Province (2023YFH0063; 2019YFH0047) and Chengdu City (2015-GH02-00034-HZ; 2017-GH02-00051-HZ; 2019-GH02-00026-HZ). Additionally, he received the Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education (20100184120006), and the Science and Technology Foundation of Guizhou Province ([2008]7001).

Prof. Chen’s affiliation with the State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering has yielded substantial results through projects such as KF201005, sklpme2014-4-21, sklpme2017-4-20, and sklpme2020-4-01. He also contributed to interdisciplinary research with support from the Key Laboratory of Karst Environment and Geohazard, Ministry of Land and Resources (KST2017006).

Notable Publications📝


📝 Efficient Flame Retardancy of Polypropylene by Cobalt Ions Doped Phytate Melamine Synergized with Expandable Graphite

Authors: Ruilong Li, Yao Chen, Honglin Lian, Yongzhi Meng, Hong Wu

Journal: Polymer Degradation and Stability

Year: 2024


📝 A Karst-Inspired Hierarchical Mg/Al Layered Double Hydroxide with a High Entropy-Driven Process for Interception and Storage

Authors: Hongyu Shi, Jun Qin, Qing Lv, Bin Ou, Xiaolang Chen

Journal: Dalton Transactions

Year: 2024


📝 Breaking the Selectivity Barrier: Reactive Oxygen Species Control in Photocatalytic Nitric Oxide Conversion

Authors: Wenrui Dai, Shao Zhang, Huan Shang, Wei Z. Chen, Dieqing Zhang

Journal: Advanced Functional Materials

Year: 2024


📝 Toughness Enhancement of PP/EVA/LDH Composites by Controlling β Nucleating Agent and Annealing Treatment

Authors: Xincheng Guo, Yao Chen, Jianbing Guo, Zongcheng Lu, Xiaolang Chen

Journal: Polymer Composites

Year: 2023


📝 The Effect of Micro- and Nano-γ-Al₂O₃ on the Synthetic Hydrotalcite and Congo Red Adsorption: Site Energy Distribution

Authors: Ting Weng, Xiaolang Chen, Jun Qin, Hongyu Shi, Lijin Zhang

Journal: Journal of Molecular Liquids

Year: 2023

 

Dr. Randa Ghonim | Polymers | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Randa Ghonim | Polymers | Best Researcher Award

Doctorate at Advanced Technology and New Materials Research Institute (ATNMRI), City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City) | Egypt

Dr. Randa E. Khalifa Ghonim demonstrates a remarkable academic journey, earning her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a focus on the “Development of Polymer Ion Exchange Polyelectrolyte Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications.” This innovative research highlights her dedication to advancing renewable energy technologies.

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👩‍🎓 Educational Background

Dr. Randa E. Khalifa Ghonim has built a strong academic foundation in Chemical Engineering, earning her degrees from Alexandria University, Egypt. She completed her Ph.D. in April 2016, focusing on the Development of Polymer Ion Exchange Polyelectrolyte Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications. Prior to that, she earned her M.Sc. in December 2011 with a thesis on Using a Natural Ore in the Treatment of Industrial Wastes. She graduated with honors in B.Sc. Chemical Engineering in June 2006, achieving a notable grade of 79.37%.

🏫 Academic Positions

Dr. Randa has held diverse and impactful roles in academia and research institutions. Currently, she serves as an Associate Professor at the Polymer Materials Research Department in the City for Scientific Research and Technological Applications, Alexandria, Egypt, a position she has held since December 2021. Previously, she worked as an Assistant Professor from 2016 to 2021, focusing on polymer material innovations. Dr. Randa has also contributed as a Lecturer at various institutions, including ITMO University in Russia, El Minya University, and Alexandria University, where she shared her expertise in advanced engineering concepts. From 2012 to 2016, she worked as a Research Assistant, specializing in membrane development.

📚 Teaching Expertise

A passionate educator, Dr. Randa has taught numerous courses in Chemical and Petrochemical Engineering. Her teaching repertoire includes subjects such as Chemical Reaction Engineering, Polymer Processing, Alternative Energy Sources, Electrochemical Processes, Mass and Heat Transfer, and more. Her ability to connect academic concepts with practical applications has inspired many students in her field.

🧪 Research Interests

Dr. Randa’s research is centered on polymers and membrane technologies for advanced industrial and environmental applications. She has a particular focus on renewable energy, developing conducting membranes for fuel cell technology. Her work in water treatment involves innovations in desalination, reverse osmosis, and wastewater management. Additionally, she is engaged in tissue engineering, contributing to the development of wound dressings and biocompatible membranes. Her research extends to advancing nanotechnology, tailoring polymers for mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties to meet cutting-edge scientific demands.

🏆 Academic Awards

Dr. Randa’s dedication to academia has earned her notable recognition. In 2017, she guided a team of students to win Second Place at the 4th ASEC (Annual Student Energy Conference) in Zagreb, Croatia, for their presentation on Fuel Cell Technology.

🌍 Memberships

Dr. Randa is an active member of professional societies, including the Arab Society of Material Science and the Egyptian Engineers Syndicate, where she contributes to advancing the field of material science.

🧑‍🔬 Key Contributions

Dr. Randa has significantly impacted the field of polymer science through her innovative research and academic endeavors. She has excelled in modifying membranes to create materials with novel properties, contributing to advancements in renewable energy systems and separation processes for clean water. Her work continues to drive progress in sustainable and cutting-edge technologies, making her a respected figure in her field.

Publications Top Noted📚

Synthesis and characterization of an innovative sodium alginate/polyvinyl alcohol bioartificial hydrogel for forward-osmosis desalination

Authors: Saad, M.A., Sadik, E.R., Eldakiky, B.M., Khalifa, R.E., Zewail, T.M.M.

Journal: Scientific Reports

Year: 2024

Synthesis and characterization of an innovative sodium alginate/flaxseed gum green hydrogel for forward osmosis desalination

Authors: Saad, M.A., Sadik, E.R., Eldakiky, B.M., Zewail, T.M.M., Moustafa, H.

Journal: Applied Water Science

Year: 2024

Toward revolutionizing PEMFC manufacturing for clean energy conversion: a review on the innovative contribution of 3D printing techniques

Authors: Khalifa, R.E., Shalaby, A.A., Špitalský, Z.

Journal: International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology

Year: 2024

Crystal violet removal from wastewater by sulfonated poly (glycidyl methacrylate) nano-adsorbent: optimization by response surface methodology, isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamics studies

Authors: Khalifa, R.E., Abou-Krisha, M.M., Omer, A.M., Salem, M.E., Mohy-Eldin, M.S.

Journal: Polymer Bulletin

Year: 2024

Chitosan/Alginate nanocomposites containing magnetic nanoparticles and multi-wall carbon nanotubes for efficient iron sorption

Authors: Omran, K.A., El-Aassar, M.R., Ibrahim, O.M., Khalifa, R.E., Mohamed, F.M.

Journal: Desalination and Water Treatment

Year: 2024