Anil K. Bhowmick earned his M.Sc (1976), D.I.I.T (1977) and Ph.D (1980) from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. He did his post-doctoral research work at the Institute of Polymer Science, The University of Akron , Akron, Ohio, USA during 1981-1984. He joined IIT Kharagpur as an Assistant Professor in 1984, where he became full Professor in 1988. He was a visiting researcher at the London School of Polymer Technology in 1987 and Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan during 1991-1992. He was Head of the Rubber Technology Centre during 1990-91 and 2005-2007, and Dean of Sponsored Research and Industrial Consultancy during 2000-2003 at IIT Kharagpur. He was named a Professor of Eminence at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur in 2009. He is currently the Director of the Indian Institute of Technology, Patna.
Academic & Research Achievements: Prof. Anil K. Bhowmick has made seminal contributions to polymer science and technology, especially in the area of nanocomposites, thermoplastic elastomers and electron beam processing in recent years. His highly cited work on development of novel rubber nanocomposites and new thermoplastic elastomers, and their structure-property relationship are notable. His travails on the use of electron beam processing of polymers have been immensely successful. In addition, his endeavors on the scientific understanding of failure and degradation of polymers, compatibilisation of polymer blends, rubber compounding and adhesion phenomenon have left indelible imprints. Many of these scientific investigations have resulted in new technology being practiced in polymer industry. Prof. Bhowmick has also contributed significantly to the following topics: mechanical properties of polymer blends and composites, development of new polymeric materials, high temperature vulcanization and rubber science and technology in general.
He has more than 450 publications in these fields, 35 book chapters and seven co-edited books. He was also co-editor of the special issue of Polymer and Composite Characterization of the Journal of Macromolecular Science (USA). He holds 12 patents including 1 US and 1 German patents. He has guided 40 Ph.D, and many B.Tech & M.Tech students.
Other contributions: He has developed facilities for microscopy, mechanical, tribological and thermal properties of polymers at IIT Kharagpur. He is currently developing a new institute, IIT Patna. He has been serving on the Boards of a few Research Institutes in India.
Awards and Honours: He was the 2002 winner of the “Chemistry of Thermoplastic Elastomers” award and 1997 winner of the “George Stafford Whitby” award of the Rubber Division, American Chemical Society for innovative research, and 2001 K.M. Philip award of the All India Rubber Industries Association for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of rubber industries in India. He was also awarded NOCIL award 1991, JSPS award 1990, Commonwealth award 1990, MRF award 1989, 15th Khwarizmi International award for science and Stanton-Redcroft ITAS award 1989. He is on the Editorial Board of eight peer reviewed international journals of repute. He is also a Fellow of National Academy of Engineering, and W.B. Academy of Science and Technology.
