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.
