Kamal K Kar

Professor Kamal K Kar is a full Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK). He earned his PhD from IIT Kharagpur in 1999 and has since built an internationally recognised research profile in advanced materials, energy storage and biomedical applications.

Education:

• PhD, IIT Kharagpur, 1999 – Thesis on hysteresis loss behaviour of filled rubber vulcanizates

Research Focus:

Professor Kar’s work integrates fundamental materials science with applied engineering. His group synthesises and characterises nanostructured carbon allotropes (carbon nanotubes, graphene, porous carbon) and polymer-matrix nanocomposites for next-generation devices. Core application areas include:

• High-capacity supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries
• Efficient fuel cells and solar cells
• Scalable water purification systems
• Light-weight, high-strength structural composites for aerospace and defence (e.g., Arjun battle tank road-wheels)
• Biocompatible bio-implants and tissue-engineering scaffolds

Publications & Patents:

His recent outputs reveal a strategic emphasis on patent-protected innovations (two PCT filings on carbon nanofiber coatings and hydroxyapatite-PEEK nanocomposites) alongside high-impact journals. The works span synthesis, processing, finite-element modelling and device integration, underscoring a comprehensive approach from lab-scale discovery to translational technology.

Scientific Recognition:

• Associate Editor, Materials Express (American Scientific Publishers)
• Editorial Board Member, International Journal of Plastic Technology (Springer)
• Editorial Board Member, Journal of Recent Patents on Nanotechnology (Bentham Science)

Teaching & Mentoring:

At IITK he teaches core undergraduate courses such as Structure and Properties of Materials and Composite Materials, and mentors graduate students in advanced laboratories. His lab hosts interdisciplinary teams that collaborate with national defence, energy and healthcare agencies.