Research Groups

Research and Industrial Consultation

At the department we believe that universities were always the centres of scholarship. Today, they have to extend their function and fully integrate research, education and innovation, and attract other centres of knowledge into cooperation.
Research and thus postgraduate studies, have to be more focused on industrial problems. The department is working relentlessly to establish a meaningful and productive link with prominent polymer related industries. The broad framework of cooperation is as follows:

1. Area of interest at the department

  • Process Equipment Design & Simulation
  • Process Optimization
  • Development and complete characterization regarding:
    • Thermoplastic & Thermosets Compounding
    • Elastomers Masterbatches
    • Polymeric Composites
    • Reverse Engineering & Identification
    • Seminars at various Levels

2. Industry Contribution

  • Industrial Training & Internships
  • Enhancement of Laboratory facilities
  • Scholarships for students
  • Research projects leading to M.Sc. engineering
  • Funded Industrial Research

3. Modes of Interactions

  • Direct Liaison on Specific Project Basis
  • Collaboration through HEC-Industry Linkage Program

Collaborating Industries
Department has signed Memorandum of understandings (MOUs) with some of the leading industries. We provide industrial research and testing facilities to these industries. Industries provide practical knowledge to our graduates. Some of the major industries entering into agreement with department include:

  • Packages (Pvt.) Ltd
  • SPELL Group of Industries
  • Lucky Plastics
  • Fiber craft composites
  • Popular Pipes
  • Forward Sports

Under the above mentioned themes, the Department has established very close and congenial relationships with the Industries, around, including Descon Chemicals, Froward Sports,Rupali Polyester,Ibrahim Fibres,Fibretech Ltd,Popular Pipes,Lucky Plastics,Samad Rubber Works,Service Industries and many others.
Recently, the Department has signed an MOU with Forward Sports for collaborative research and development and working hard for the formulation of interaction modalities with many other industrial parteners.

4. Departmental Funded Projects:

1.

Multifunctional Structural Polymer Nanocomposites for electrical energy storage applications (6.46 M)

2.

Synthesis, characterization and module fabrication of novel intrinsically conducting polymers membranes for heavy metal removal from drinking water employing low-pressure nanofiltration (5.59 M)

3.

Fabrication and Characterization of Novel Nanocomposites Based Proton Exchange Membranes Modified with Electroactive Polymers for Enhanced Performance and Stability in Fuel Cell Technology (2.13 M)

5.

Development of mixed-matrix membrane separation system for carbon capture from industrially-simulated post-combustion flue gases originating from various fuel sources (9.32 M)

6.

In-house fabrication of functional ion exchange membranes and state-of-the-art electro-dialyzers for simultaneously extracting metal-ions and reusable water from highly concentrated industrial wastewater effluents (8.97 M)

7.

Solid-State Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells/Modules as alternative to battery technology and grid connection for powering internet of things (IoTs) Devices (16.90 M)

8.

Development of economical nanocomposites through upcycling of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) waste for automotive and electronics applications (5.0 M)

9

Development of styrenics blends with elastomers and thermoplastics for automotive applications (12.30 M)

Noteworthy Publications by Faculty Members

Sr No.Name of Author(s)Title of Research PaperJournal NameYear
1.M. A. Shehzad et al.Shielded goethite catalyst that enables fast water dissociation in bipolar membranesNat Commun2021
2.U. Abid, Y. Q. Gill, M. S. Irfan, R. Umer, and F. SaeedPotential applications of polycarbohydrates, lignin, proteins, polyacids, and other renewable materials for the formulation of green elastomersInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecule2021
3.Y. Q. Gill, F. Saeed, M. H. Shoukat, M. S. Irfan, and U. AbidA study on the dewaxing behavior of carbon-black-modified LDPE–paraffin wax composites for investment casting applicationsArab. J. Sci. Eng.2021
4.M. Sufyan, U. Mehmood, Y. Q. Gill, A. H. KhanHydrothermally synthesize zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods as an effective photoanode material for third-generation Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs)Mater. Letters2021
5.A. Javaid, O. Khalid, A. Shakeel, S. NoreenMultifunctional structural supercapacitors based on polyaniline deposited carbon fiber reinforced epoxy compositesJournal of Energy Storage2021
6.U. Siddiqui, H. Khalid, S. Ghafoor, A. Javaid, A. Asif, A. S. KhanAnalyses on mechanical and physical performances of nano-apatite grafted glass fibers based dental compositesMaterials Chemistry and Physics2021
7.M. Farooq, A. AnsarifaA study into crack initiation and growth in peroxide-cured silica-filled polybutadiene rubber vulcanisate under a cyclic loading conditionJournal of Rubber Research2021
8.M. Ahmad, M. Sarfraz, M. Ba-Shammakh, K. Naseer, M. A. AhmedOptimizing membrane synthesis parameters via Taguchi method: An approach to prepare high-performance mixed-matrix membranes for carbon capture applications,J Chem Eng2021
9.Y. Q. Gill, U. Abid, M. S. Irfan, F. Saeed, A. ShakoorFabrication, characterization, and machining of polypropylene/wood flour compositesFirdausArab. J. Sci. Eng.2021
10.U. Mehmood, A. Ishfaq, M. SufyanNanocomposites of Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes and Titanium dioxide (MWCNTs/TiO2) as affective counter electrode materials for Platinum-free Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs),Solar Energy2021
11.M. Sufyan, U. Mehmood, Y. Q. Gill, R. Nazar, A. H. KhanHydrothermally synthesize zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods as an effective photoanode material for third-generation Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs),Materials Letters2021
12.U. Mehmood, A. Aslam, M. H. Arshad, A. Ishfaq, J. ZaheerMixed Cations Polymer Gel Electrolytes for Quasi-Solid-State Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics2021
13.S. Bano N. Ramzan T. Iqbal H. Mahmood F. SaeedStudy of thermal degradation behavior and kinetics of ABS/PC blendPol.  J.  Chem.  Tech2020
14.M. Idrees, A. T. Hussain, F. Saeed, T. Hussain,Effectiveness of metakaolin and hybrid polymers incorporated mortar for the compressive strength and acid resistance of industrial and wastewater infrastructureEnvironmental Progress & Sustainable Energy2020
15.M. O. Awan, A. Shakoor, M. S. Rehan, and Y. Q. GillDevelopment of HDPE composites with improved mechanical properties using calcium carbonate and nanoclayPhys. B  Phys. Condens. Matter,2020
16.M. A. Shehzad et al.La4NiLiO8 Shielded Layered Cathode Materials for Emerging High-Performance Safe BatteriesACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces2020
17.M. A. Shehzad et al.A first report on ex-situ synthesis and utilization of pure La4NiLiO8 in emerging high-performance safe batteriesJournal of Alloys and Compounds2020
18.Y. Q. Gill, U. Abid, and M. SongHigh-performance Nylon12/clay nanocomposites for potential packaging applicationsJ. Appl. Polym. Sci.2020
19.Y. Q. Gill, J. Jin, and M. Song.Comparative study of carbon-based nanofillers for improving the properties of HDPE for potential applications in food tray packagingPolym. Compos.2020
20.I. A. Rashid et al.Stretchable strain sensors based on polyaniline/thermoplastic polyurethane blendsPolym. Bull.,2020
21.Y. Q. Gill, M. Song, and U. Abid,Permeation characterization and modeling of polyethylene/clay nanocomposites for packagingPolym. Bulletin2020
22.

Y. Q. Gill, H. Ehsan, M. S. Irfan, F. Saeed, and A. Shakoor

Synergistic augmentation of polypropylene composites by hybrid morphology polyaniline particles for antistatic packaging applicationMater. Res. Express2020
23. Y. Q. Gill, H. Ehsan, M. S. Irfan, F. Saeed, and A. Shakoor,Synergistic augmentation of polypropylene composites by hybrid morphology polyaniline particles for antistatic packaging applicationsMater. Res. Express2020
24.A. Javaid, H. T. Ashraf, M. Mustaghees, A. Khalid.Fire-retardant carbon/glass fabric-reinforced epoxy sandwich composites for structural applicationsPolymer Composites2020
25.Khadija Tul Kubra, Atif Javaid, Rehana Sharif, Ghulam Ali, Fauzia Iqbal, Ayesha Salman, Fozia Shaheen, Annam Butt, Faiza Jan IftikharFacile synthesis and electrochemical study of a ternary hybrid PANI/GNP/MnO2 as supercapacitor electrode materialJournal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics2020
26.Khadija Tul Kubra, Rehana Sharif, Bebi Patil, Atif Javaid, Shamaila Shahzadi, Ayesha Salman, Sofia Siddique, Ghulam AliHydrothermal synthesis of neodymium oxide nanoparticles and its nanocomposites with manganese oxide as electrode materials for supercapacitor applicationJournal of Alloys and Compounds2020
27.Muhammad Ahmad, Asif Ali Qaiser, Noor Ul Huda, and Anem SaeedHeterogeneous ion exchange membranes based on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU): effect of PSS/DVB resin on morphology and electrodialysisRSC Adv.2020
28.M. Sohail Sarwar, Abdul Ghaffar, Atif Islam, Farhat Yasmin, Zehra Oluz, Eylül Tuncel, Hatice Duran, Asif Ali QaiserControlled drug release behavior of metformin hydrogen chloride from biodegradable films based on chitosan/poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether blend,Arabian Journal of Chemistry2020
29.Umer Mehmood, Hafza Asghar, Falak Babar, Muhammad YounasEffect of graphene contents in polyaniline/graphene composites counter electrode material on the photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCSs),Solar Energy2020
30.Falak Babar, Umer Mehmood*, Hafza Asghar, M. Hassan, Mehdi, Anwar Ul Haq Khan, Hamza Khalid, Noor ul Huda, Zaira FatimaNanostructured photoanode materials and their deposition methods for efficient and economical third generation dye-sensitized solar cells: A comprehensive reviewRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews2020
31.Asad Aslam, Umer Mehmood*, Muhammad Hamza Arshad, Abdulrehman Ishfaq, Junaid Zaheer, AnwarUl Haq Khan, Muhammad SufyanDye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) as a potential photovoltaic technology for the self-powered Internet of things (IoT) applicationsSolar Energy2020
32.Umer Mehmood, SHA Ahmad, Amir Al-Ahmed, Abbas Saeed Hakeem, H Dafalla, A Laref,Synthesis and Characterization of Cerium Oxide Impregnated Titanium Oxide Photoanodes for Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar CellsIEEE Journal of Photovoltaics2020
33.Muhammad A. Shehzad et al.Angioplasty mimetic stented ion transport channels construct durable high-performance membranesJournal of Materials Chemistry A,2019
34.Muhammad A. Shehzad et al.Biomimetic mitochondrial nanostructures boost the battery performanceEnergy and Environmental Science2019
35.Muhammad A. Shehzad et al.Biomimetic Nanocones that Enable High Ion PermselectivityAngew. Chem. Int.2019
36.

Y. Q. Gill, M. Sajid, H. Ehsan, and U. Abid

Effect of nano-susceptor material addition on the microwave sintering of polypropylenePakistan J. Eng. Appl. Sci2019
37.Y. Q. Gill, M. S. Irfan, F. Saeed, M. Nadeem, and H. EhsanSilanized silica compatibilization of NBR/gelatin blends for the production of green rubber productsJ. Elastomers Plast.2019
38.M. S. Irfan, Y. Q. Gill, M. Hashmi, S. Ullah, F. Saeed, and A. A. Qaiser,Long-term stress relaxation behavior of Polyaniline-EPDM blends using the time-temperature-strain superposition methodMater. Res. Express2019
39.

M. S. Irfan, Y. Q. Gill, S. Ullah, M. T. Naeem, F. Saeed, and M. Hashmi,

Polyaniline-NBR blends by in situ polymerization: application as stretchable strain sensorsSmart Mater. Struct.,2019
40.Atif Javaid, Ahmad Shahzaib, Hammad Tahir, Munazza Ali, Wajiha YounusInvestigation of Mechanical and Electrochemical Performance of Multifunctional Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites for Electrical Energy Storage ApplicationsJ.Chem.Soc.Pak2019
41.Muhammad Asim Iqbal, Muhammad Ahsan Iqbal, Atif JavaidSynergistic Effect of Aluminum Hydroxide and Antimony Trioxide on the Flammability of Phosphorous Modified Epoxy Resin 2019
42.Atif Javaid, Muhammad Irfan,Multifunctional structural supercapacitors based on graphene nanoplatelets/carbon aerogel composite coated carbon fiber electrodesMater. Res. Express2019
43.Khadija Tul Kubra, Atif Javaid, Bebi Patil, Rehana Sharif, Ayesha Salman, Shamaila Shahzadi, Sofia Siddique, Sheeba GhaniSynthesis and characterization of novel Pr6O11/Mn3O4 nanocomposites for electrochemical supercapacitorsCeramics International2019
44.Atif Javaid, Muhammad B Zafrullah, Fareed ul Haq Khan, Ghulam M BhattiImproving the multifunctionality of structural supercapacitors by interleaving graphene nanoplatelets between carbon fibers and solid polymer electrolyteJournal of Composite Materials2019
45.Muhammad Junaid Alvi, Tahir Izhar, Asif Ali Qaiser, Hafiz Shafqat Kharal, Adnan SafdarField Optimization and Electrostatic Stress Reduction of Proposed Conductor Scheme for Pliable Gas-Insulated Transmission LinesAppl. Sci.2019
46.Muhammad Shafiq Irfan, Yasir Qayyum Gill, Motahira Hashmi, Sana Ullah, Farhan Saeed and Asif Ali QaiserLong-term stress relaxation behavior of Polyaniline-EPDM blends using the time-temperature-strain superposition methodMater. Res. Express2019
47.Muhammad Sarfraz, Zia ur Rehman, M. Ba‑ShammakhPursuit of electroconducting thermoplastic vulcanizates: activated charcoal‑filled polypropylene/ ethylene–propylene–diene monomer blends with upgraded electrical, mechanical and thermal properties,Polymer Bulletin2019
48.Muhammad Farooq, Ali AnsarifarSome factors affecting the flex life of polybutadiene rubber vulcanizateJournal of Rubber Research volume2019
49.Umer Mehmood, Anwar-Ul-Haq KhanSpray coated PbS nanocrystals as an effective counter-electrode material for platinum-free Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs)Solar Energy2019
50.Umer Mehmood, Nayab Abdul Karim, Hafiza Fizza Zahid, Tahir Asif, Muhamm Younas,Polyaniline/graphene nanocomposites as counter electrode materials for platinum-free dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCSs),Materials Letters2019
51.Umer Mehmood, Waqar Ahmad, Shakeel AhmedNickel impregnated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Ni/MWCNT) as active catalyst materials for efficient and platinum-free dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs)Sustainable Energy Fuels2019
52.Iqra Abdul Rashid, Muhammad Shafiq Irfan, Yasir Qayyum Gill, Rabia Nazar, Farhan Saeed, Ayesha Afzal, Hira Ehsan, Asif Ali Qaiser, Abdul ShakoorStretchable strain sensors based on polyaniline/thermoplastic polyurethane blendsPolymer Bulletin2019
53.Umer Mehmood, Khalil Harrabi, Ibnelwaleed A. Hussein, Nagendiran Shanmugam, A. Mekki, M. Mekki, M. A. McLachlanA study on the stability of active layer of polymer solar cells: effect of UV–visible light with different conditionsPolymer Bulletin2019
54.Nayab Abdul Karim, Umer Mehmood*, Hafiza Fizza Zahid, TahiraAsifNanostructured photoanode and counter electrode materials for efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs)Solar Energy2019
55.Atif Javaid and Ayesha AfzalCarbon fiber reinforced modified bisphenol-a diglycidylether epoxy composites for flame retardant applicationsMater. Res. Express2018
56.Atif Javaid, Muhammad ZeshanMultifunctional structural lithium-ion batteries for electrical energy storage applicationsMater. Res. Express2018
57.Muhammad Junaid Alvi, Tahir Izhar, Asif Ali QaiserProposed Scheme of Pliable Gas Insulated Transmission Line and Its Comparative Appraisal Regarding Electrostatic and Dielectric AspectsElectronics2018
58.Muhammad Shafiq Irfan, Farhan Saeed, Yasir Qayyum Gill, Asif Ali QaiserEffects of hybridization and fiber orientation on flexural properties of hybrid short glass fiber– and short carbon fiber–reinforced vinyl ester compositesPolymers and Polymer Composites2018
59.Farhan Saeed, Saleem Anwar, Muhammad Shafiq Irfan, Asif Ali Qaiser, Yasir Qayyum Gill.Carbon black/nickel hybrid filler reinforced conductive polypropylene composites,J. Appl. Polym. Sci2018
60.Umer Mehmood, M. Irfan Malik, Anwar Ul Haq Khan, Ibnelwaleed A. Hussein, Khalil Harrabi, Amir Al-AhmedEffect of outdoor temperature on the power-conversion efficiency of newly synthesized organic photosensitizer-based dye-sensitized solar cellsMaterials Letters2018
61.Umer Mehmood, Syed Haseeb Ali Ahmad, Anwar Ul Haq Khan, Asif Ali QaiserCo-sensitization of graphene/TiO2 nanocomposite thin films with ruthenizer and metal-free organic photosensitizers for improving the power conversion efficiency of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs)Solar Energy2018
62.Umer Mehmood, Anwar Ul Haq Khan, Asif Ali Qaiser, Sheraz Bashir, Muhammad YounasNanocomposites of carbon allotropes with TiO2 as effective photoanodes for efficient dye-sensitized solar cellsMaterial Letters2018
63.Umer Mehmood, H. Muzammil Irshad, Fahad A. Al-Sulaiman, Sheraz Bashir, B.S. YilbasEffect of accumulation of environmental dust and subsequent mud formation on textural, chemical, and optical properties of silicon wafers for photovoltaic cellsIEEE Journal of Photovoltaics2018
64.M. Younas M.A. Gondal, Umer Mehmood, K. Harrabi Z.H. Yamani F.A. Al‐SulaimanPerformance enhancement of dye‐sensitized solar cells via co-sensitization of ruthenizer Z907 and organic sensitizer SQ2International Journal of Energy Research2018
65.Muhammad Mansha, Umer Mehmood, Nisar UllahPoly(phenylene cyanovinylenes) carbazole based conjugated polymer as a photosensitizer for dye-sensitized solar cellsMaterials Letters2018
66.A. Javaid, K. K. C. Ho, A. Bismarck, J.H.G. Steinke, M.S.P. Shaffer and E.S. GreenhalghImproving the multifunctional behavior of structural supercapacitors by incorporating chemically activated carbon fibers and mesoporous silica particles as reinforcementJournal of Composite2018
67.R.Nazar, A.Vitale, M.Sangermano,R.M.BongiovanniSilver nanocomposites by photoreduction of AgNO3 and simultaneous photocrosslinking of the acrylic matrix: effect of poly-N-vinylpyrrolidone on Ag particle formationJournal of Polymer Engineering2018
68.Muhammad Sarfraz

Quest for electroconducting structural polymers:

CNTs/Polybond nanocomposites with improved

electrical and mechanical properties

Journal of Polymer Engineering2017
69.Muhammad Zeshan Ali and Atif JavaidMechanical and Rheological Characterization of Efficient and Economical Structural Wood-Plastic Composite of Wood and PVC

Journal of the Chemical Society of Pakistan

2017
70. Anwar Ul Haq Khan, Zafarullah Khanb, Isam H. Aljundi

Improved hydrophilicity and anti-fouling properties of polyamide TFN

a membrane comprising carbide-derived carbon

Desalination2017
71.

Umer Mehmood, Amir Al-Ahmeda, Fahad A. Al-Sulaiman, M. Irfan Malik

Farrukh Shehzadb, Anwar Ul Haq Khan

Effect of temperature on the photovoltaic performance and stability of solid-state

dye-sensitized solar cells: A review

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews2017
72.Rabia NazarInsitu photosynthesis and stabilization of copper nanoparticles,Pak. J. Engg & Appl. Sci.2017

73.

Muhammad Sarfraz

M. Ba-Shammakh

Synergistic effect of adding graphene oxide and ZIF-301 to polysulfone to develop high performance mixed matrix membranes for selective carbon dioxide separation from post-combustion flue gasJournal of Membrane Science2016
74.

Muhammad Sarfraz

M. Ba-Shammakh

A novel zeolitic imidazolate framework based mixed-matrix

membrane for efficient CO= separation under wet conditions

Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers2016
75.

Muhammad Sarfraz

M. Ba-Shammakh

Synergistic effect of incorporating ZIF-302 and graphene oxide

to polysulfone to develop highly selective mixed-matrix membranes

for carbon dioxide separation from wet post-combustion flue gases

Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry2016
76.Malik, M.S., Qaiser, A. A., Arif, M.,Structural and Electrochemical Studies of Heterogeneous Ion Exchange Membranes based on Polyaniline-Coated Cation Exchange Resin Particles

RSC Advances, DOI:

10.1039/C6RA24594C

2016
77.Irfan, M. S., N. Shotton-Gale, Paget, M. A., Machavaram, V. R., Leek. C., Wootoon. S., Hudson. M., Helsmens. S., Bogonez, F. N., Pandita, S. D., and G. F. FernandoA Modified Pultrusion ProcessJournal of Composite Materials2016
78.S. Naseem, M. S. Irfan, F. Saeed, M. B. Manzoor, A. A. Qaiser, M. A. ShehzadEffect of dopant type on the properties of polyaniline filled PU/PMMA conducting interpenetrating polymer networksProgress in Plastics, Rubber and Recycling Technology2016
79.Amina Afzal, Muhammad Shahid Rafique, Nadeem Iqbal, Asif Ali Qaiser, Abdul Waheed Anwar and Sadia Sagar IqbalSynergistic Effect of Functionalized Nanokaolin Decorated MWCNTs on the Performance of Cellulose Acetate (CA) Membranes Spectacular,Nanomaterials2016
80.Muhammad Sarfraz, M. Ba-ShammakhCombined Effect of CNTs with ZIF-302 into Polysulfone to Fabricate MMMs for Enhanced CO2 Separation from Flue GasesArab J Sci Eng, DOI 10.1007/s13369-016-2096-4.2016
81.Muhammad SarfrazUpgrading Electrical, Mechanical, and Chemical Properties of CNTs/Polybond„ Nanocomposites: Pursuit of Electroconductive Structural Polymer Nanocomplexes”.

International Journal of Polymer Science, Volume, Article ID 2396817, 8 pages.

2016
82.Malik, M.S., Qaiser, A. A., Arif, M.,Structural and Electrochemical Studies of Heterogeneous Ion Exchange Membranes based on Polyaniline-Coated Cation Exchange Resin Particles

RSC Advances, DOI:

10.1039/C6RA24594C

2016
83.Irfan, M. S., N. Shotton-Gale, Paget, M. A., Machavaram, V. R., Leek. C., Wootoon. S., Hudson. M., Helsmens. S., Bogonez, F. N., Pandita, S. D., and G. F. FernandoA Modified Pultrusion ProcessJournal of Composite Materials2016
84.S. Naseem, M. S. Irfan, F. Saeed, M. B. Manzoor, A. A. Qaiser, M. A. ShehzadEffect of dopant type on the properties of polyaniline filled PU/PMMA conducting interpenetrating polymer networksProgress in Plastics, Rubber and Recycling Technology2016
85.Shahzad, M.A., Qaiser, A. A., Javaid, A., and Saeed, F.In situ solution-phase polymerization and chemical vapor deposition of polyaniline on microporous cellulose ester membranes: AFM and electrical conductivity studiesSynthetic Metals2015
86.R.Nazar, S.Ronchetti, I.Roppolo, M.Sangermano,R.M.BongiovanniIn Situ Synthesis of Polymer Embedded Silver Nanoparticles via Photopolymerization

Macromolecular, Mat and Eng., 300, 226–233

2015