M.G.H. Zaidi
Professor
Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology， India

Speech Title: Polymerization and Polymer Modification in Supercritical Fluids
Abstract: Supercritical fluids (SCFs) present the transient state of liquefiable gases and polar liquids above their critical point wherein the phases separating boundaries are unified into a single phase called SCFs. This state demonstrates unique diffusivity like gases combined with liquid like density. Applications of SCFs as an alternative media in food processing, chromatography, energy production and drug development was recognized till beginning of 19th century, has now well accepted in processing of materials1-2. The most preferred SCFs are the supercritical carbon dioxide (SCC) and supercritical water (SCW).SCFs offers a series of unique methods of particle sizing, development of polymer composites, blends1-2, dispersion of layered silicates3, inorganic4, graphitic5 and magnetic fillers6 into solvents, monomers and their infusion into polymer matrix at ambient temperatures. Size, shape and aspect ratios, infusion, deposition, dispersion and exfoliation of fillers and related nanomaterials are well controlled through tuning of several physical variables under supercritical conditions...

Cun-Yue Guo
Professor
University of Chinese Ac ademy of Sciences, China

Speech Title: Compositing conductive polymers with SWCNTs for high-performance thermo-electrics
Abstract: Thermoelectric (TE) materials realize conversion between heat and electricity due to the Seebeck effect and Peltier effect. Such interconversion requires no mobile parts and can efficiently utilize waste heat in a green way. Compositing conductive polymers (CPs) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) overcomes many inherent disadvantages existing in inorganic TE materials and organic TE materials, hence benefiting the fabrication of wearable electronics, vehicle-mounted refrigerator, etc.
This keynote speech will introduce several types of flexible CPs/CNTs composites with high TE performance. Both polypyrrole(PPy/)/SWCNT composites and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)(PEDOT)/SWCNT composites possessed greatly enhanced power factor (PF) due to tunable polymerization parameters and the addition of SWCNTs. The PPy/SWCNT nanocomposites possessed large-area, super flexibility, stretchability and mechanical stability, affording peak PF of 21.7 ± 0.8 μW m−1 K−2 at room temperature (rt). Chemical doping of SWCNTs with mixed acids of sulfuric acid and nitric acid, together with the preparation of PPy through electropolymerization of pyrrole, raised the rt PF to 240.3 ± 5.0 μW m−1 K−2.
The PEDOT/SWCNT nanocomposites prepared by dynamic 3-phase interfacial polymerization and subsequent physical mixing afforded maximal rt PF of 253.7 ± 10.4 W m−1 K−2; chemical doping of SWCNT further enhanced the PF to new highs, 350.0 ± 47.6 W m−1 K−2 at room temperature and 510.2 W m−1 K−2 at 412 K. Following similar routes, PEDOT/Te/SWCNT composites were prepared with significantly enhanced rt PF of 169.8 ± 7.8 μW m−1 K−2. The addition of polyethylene (PE) into PEDOT/SWCNT composites endowed the material with enhanced TE performance. Continuing attempts are well underway and the development of new fabrication methods are highly expected.

Leelakrishna Reddy
Asso. Professor
University of Johannesburg, South Africa

Speech Title: Attempts at addressing the drawbacks of red emissions of white light emitting diodes (WLEDs) in commercially produced phosphor materials
Abstract: There are two approaches for the fabrication of white light emitting diodes (WLEDs); firstly, a blend of blue emitting InGaN LED chip with a yellow emitting Ce3+ doped yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG), and secondly, a combination of tri-colours of white light (red, blue, green) on a near ultra-violet chip [1]. The first fabrication process suffers a drawback in the low colouring index (CRI) of red light and limits its applicability in indoor and outdoor lighting, while the second has a drawback in its chemical stability and efficiencies of the white light produced [1]. These systems were supposed to replace the traditional incandescent and fluorescent lamps produced. In attempts to address the drawbacks of the CRI of red light, a component of white light, various phosphor materials were investigated, which will be discussed below...