Dr. SUKANYA SATAPATHY | biopolymers | Best Researcher Award

DST-WOMEN SCIENTIST, at CSIR_INSTITUTE OF MINERALS AND MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY, India

Dr. Sukanya Satapathy is a dedicated materials scientist with a specialization in polymer blends, composites, and sustainable packaging materials. Currently a DST-Women Scientist at the CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT), Bhubaneswar, she holds a Ph.D. in Rubber Technology from IIT Kharagpur and an M.Sc. in Polymer Chemistry from Utkal University. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Satapathy’s work bridges academic research and industrial applications, particularly in the fields of biocomposites, polymer recycling, and green plasticizers. She has authored 21 peer-reviewed publications and presented her findings in numerous national and international conferences. Her expertise extends across advanced processing techniques and material characterization using state-of-the-art instrumentation. Known for her interdisciplinary collaborations, Dr. Satapathy is passionate about sustainable materials development, waste valorization, and training future scientists. Her recent research focuses on the development of hygienic, biodegradable packaging films from chitosan and natural additives.

Professional Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Dr. Satapathy’s academic journey began with a Master of Science in Chemistry (2001) from Utkal University, Odisha, where she specialized in Polymer Chemistry, graduating with first-class honors. Motivated by her passion for polymeric materials and sustainable innovation, she pursued a Doctorate in Rubber Technology at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, which she completed in 2009. Her doctoral research focused on the thermo-mechanical processing and advanced characterization of rubber-based composites, laying a strong foundation for her future contributions to polymer science. Her academic background combines rigorous scientific training with hands-on expertise in materials engineering, particularly in the blending and compounding of synthetic and natural polymers. This robust education equipped her with a deep understanding of the structure-property relationships in polymers, critical for designing eco-friendly and high-performance composite materials in both research and industrial contexts.

👨‍🏫 Experience

Dr. Sukanya Satapathy has accumulated rich experience in polymer science through various roles in academia and government-funded research institutions. Since November 2024, she has been serving as a DST-Women Scientist at CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneswar. She has previously held the same position at the Polymers and Functional Materials (PFM) Department at CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad, across multiple terms (2013–2019 and 2023–2024), where she worked on government and industry-sponsored projects related to nanocomposites, recycled plastics, and biocomposites. From 2002 to 2004, she served as a Project Fellow/Faculty at the Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology, Bhubaneswar, where she taught graduate-level courses and supervised laboratory sessions. Her work has spanned areas including plastic waste utilization, high-impact nanocomposite development, and green polymer additives. Dr. Satapathy’s experience is enhanced by her ability to manage both theoretical research and practical application, particularly through collaborative industry-based projects and teaching engagements.

🔬 Research Interest

Dr. Satapathy’s research is centered around polymer composites, biocomposites, and sustainable packaging materials. Her work explores the use of natural fibers, fly ash, and biodegradable polymers such as chitosan to develop environmentally responsible alternatives to conventional plastics. She is an expert in thermo-mechanical processing, internal plasticization, and the utilization of green additives like epoxidized vegetable oils for improving mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of polymer systems. Additionally, her recent efforts include developing hygienic packaging films using chitosan and cyclic carbonates, with a focus on replacing phthalate-based plasticizers with eco-friendly alternatives. Her deep engagement with plastics recycling and waste-to-wealth technologies supports circular economy initiatives. Her projects often involve multifunctional nanocomposites, incorporating graphene, clay, and cenospheres to enhance performance. Dr. Satapathy’s integrated approach combines processing innovation, material characterization, and environmental sustainability, aiming to revolutionize packaging, construction, and industrial plastic applications.

🏆 Awards

Dr. Sukanya Satapathy’s contributions to the field of polymer composites and materials technology have been recognized with notable honors. She was a recipient of the prestigious CSIR-IICT Technology Award (Team Award) in 2019, awarded by the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad. This award was presented in recognition of innovative advancements in polymer nanocomposites and green plasticizer systems developed under collaborative R&D initiatives. Her published work has also gained academic acclaim, with one of her articles recognized as a Top Cited Article (2021–2022) in the Journal of Vinyl and Additive Technology. These accolades underscore her commitment to impactful, real-world materials research and highlight her role in the advancement of eco-sustainable technologies. Beyond formal awards, Dr. Satapathy has consistently earned appreciation for her interdisciplinary approach and leadership in projects involving natural fiber-reinforced plastics, hygienic packaging materials, and plastic waste valorization, strengthening her reputation as a rising expert in polymer engineering.

📚 Top Noted Publications

1. Thermo-Mechanical Processing of Chitosan Using Cyclic Carbonates as Green Plasticizers

Authors: Sukanya Satapathy, Aruna Palanisamy, Kavya Lekha Sunkara, Sunil Misra, Ramanuj Narayan

Journal: Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics

Year: 2025

Citations: 0 (as noted)

2. Mechanical and barrier properties of polyvinyl chloride plasticized with dioctyl phthalate, epoxidized soybean oil and epoxidized cardanol

Authors: [Not fully listed here, but likely includes Sukanya Satapathy based on context]

Journal: Journal of Vinyl and Additive Technology

Year: 2021 (Volume 27, pages 599–611)

Citations: This is noted as the “Top cited article 2021–2022”, but an exact number of citations isn’t provided in your input. You can find the exact count via Google Scholar or Web of Science.

3. Studies on epoxidised castor oil as co-plasticizer with epoxidised soyabean oil for PVC processing

Authors: G. Thirupathiah, Sukanya Satapathy, Aruna Palanisamy

Journal: Journal of Renewable Materials

Year: 2019 (Volume 8, pages 775–785)

Citations: Not listed in the input — can also be checked on Google Scholar or Scopus for the most recent data.

Conclusion

Based on her extensive research output, domain-specific innovation, impactful publications, and demonstrated leadership in DST-sponsored projects, Dr. Sukanya Satapathy is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. Her work reflects a blend of academic rigor, industrial relevance, and societal impact, which are key parameters for such a prestigious recognition.