Seeram Ramakrishna

Advancing Fibers Towards Sustainability and Circularity    Professor of Nanotechnology at the National University of Singapore (NUS), SINGAPORE.

Biography

Professor Seeram Ramakrishna is a well-known researcher in electrospinning | nanofibers | nanotechnology at the National University of Singapore (NUS), which is ranked among the top eight universities in the world. His fibers R&D spans more than three decades. He made seminal contributions in understanding and enhancing the biological, chemical, electrical, electronic, mechanical, and physical responses of nanofibers | and nanomaterials. He championed cross-fields R&D approach to advance nanofibers in air filtration, liquid | water filtration, composites, regenerative medicine | tissue engineering, energy generation, energy storage, sensors, intelligent materials, and wearables. Electrospinning is now a commonly used R&D technique around the world. He has been named among the World’s Most Influential Minds (Thomson Reuters), and a Highly Cited Researcher with 207 H-index and 203,500 citations. He received a PhD from the University of Cambridge, UK, and a TGMP from Harvard University, USA. He also received advanced research experiences at MIT and Johns Hopkins University, USA, and KIT, Japan. He is an elected Fellow | Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Indian National Academy of Engineering, India; the UK Royal Academy of Engineering; Singapore Academy of Engineering; ASEAN Academy of Engineering and Technology; International Academy of Engineering and Technology; and AAAS, USA. He is also an elected Fellow of ASM International, ASME, AIMBE, USA; IMechE and IoM3, UK; ISTE, India; and IUBSE (FBSE). His academic leadership includes Director of NUS Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Initiative; Director of NUS Bioengineering; Chairman of Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore; Director of NUS Enterprise; Dean of NUS Faculty of Engineering; and NUS Vice-President (Research Strategy).

Abstract

Modern life is inconceivable without polymer fibers. On the other hand, growing scientific evidences are reported on their undesirable effects on ecological health and human health. This lecture seeks to describe this conundrum with the most updated information and facts.
Some are advocating for limits on the total production around the world. While others are advocating recycling as the panacea. More wholistic approaches are needed to address the conundrum most effectively.New chemistry is necessary to eliminate the issues of microplastics and nanoplastics. New chemistry is necessary for substituting harmful forever chemicals. AI and machine learning are being explored to conceive and synthesise new polymers. Bioplastics from the renewable sources must be further innovated to avoid the unintended consequences of petroleum-based polymers. Biomanufacturing of polymers at scale is to be pursued expeditiously. Even more helpful is to design polymers for quality end of life management. And design products for quality end of life management. Circular Economy in terms of enhanced durability, designed for repair, reduced materials foot print, reduced resources footprint, higher materials efficiency, higher resources efficiency, reduced per capita consumption, and higher circularity to be embraced by the manufacturers, businesses, and governments. Aforementioned are shaping the future of polymer fibers towards sustainability and circularity.