Baltic Showcase of Translational Research and Innovations Spring 2019

 

International Association of Advanced Materials (IAAM) considers it a great pleasure and privilege to have successfully organized the 4th Baltic Conference Series at the Conference Center, M/S Mariella, Viking Line, Stockholm, Sweden during 14 – 16 May 2019.

What is the Baltic Conference Series?

Baltic Conference Series (BCS) is a comprehensive forum organized by IAAM to discuss the recent trends in the Translational research and to bring people together for learning new-age technology. It aims to eliminate the common barriers that promising technologies face along the pathway to market. The theme, “A substantial move towards the commercialization of Translational research to market”, was part of an attempt to provide an opportunity to highlight the advances in the translation of research into the industries.

The 4th BCS offered a coordination of seven contemporary research fields – (i) Water Technology, (ii) Carbon Materials & Technology, (iii) Epoxy & Resins Technology, (iv) Plastics & Rubber Technology, (v) Pulp & Paper Technology, (vi) Wood Technology and (vii) Chemical Technology; to pave the way for multi-inter-transdisciplinary Translational research and innovations for society.

The 4th BCS have connected the ideas from the eminent speakers and high-quality research presentations leading to global networking, while enjoying cruise hospitality and social activities in two capital cities, along with the allusion of the beautiful views of Baltic Sea and Stockholm archipelago having nearly 30,000 islands, islets, and rocks.

The 4th BCS was the 17th edition of the most popular format, “Knowledge Experience at Sea”. This congress departed from Stockholm, Sweden, to Helsinki, Finland, on 14 May and returned to Stockholm on 16 May 2019. The 3-day program captured optimized interaction and discussions as all the delegates were away from the world, aboard in a single vessel sailing on the sea, being part of an enriching experience.

Distinguished speakers from Academia and Industry joined the rich legacy of IAAM 4th BCS. © IAAM Media.

The 4th BCS witnessed global participation from  31 countries. The congress started with a welcome ceremony and ran with 10 thematic sessions including keynote/ invited lectures, a series of oral & poster presentations, an IAAM felicitation ceremony, a cultural program, and a closing ceremony.

Opening Note of the Conference

At the first day of the conference, welcome reception and registration were carried out in the conference hotel, Stockholm with a briefing of the conference schedule. The conference was open on the 2nd day, with the welcome remarks of Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari (Secretary-General, IAAM) and Peo Wahlin (Viking Line ABP).

Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari, Secretary-General, IAAM during the Opening address © IAAM Media

The opening keynote speakers, Prof. Roger J. Narayan (UNC/NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering Raleigh, NC, USA) delivered a distinguished talk on the application of microstructured and nanostructured diamond thin films in medical devices. He discussed the studies done on interactions between nanocrystalline diamond thin films and cells associated with blood-contacting medical device and orthopedic devices and reviewed the applications of these microstructured diamond thin films in the treatment of medical conditions.

The plenary session included research highlights by Prof. N. Kuramoto (Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yamagata University, Japan) a leader in conducting polymer nanocomposite materials research. He presented a talk on the novel applications of polymer nanocomposite as electrochromic devices, photoelectric cells, and corrosion protection.

Prof. Alain Brillard (President of Université de Mulhouse, Mulhouse, France) has reviewed the experimental results of the kinetic modeling work which has been developed in a collaboration engaged between the Northern Arctic Federal University in Arkhangelsk (North-East of Russian Federation) and the University of Mulhouse (North-East of France). It was mainly focused on the analysis of the thermal degradations of woody biomass and of their by-products, especially hydrolysis lignin, intending to reproduce the energy production in industrial boilers.

Distinguished speakers presenting their work in the plenary sessions. ©IAAM Media

The session on ‘Wood Technology’ was chaired by Prof. Masoud Mojtahed (Purdue University Northwest, Hammond, USA). Wood is the most important renewable resource for construction, furniture, paper, packaging, and many other products used for sustaining a rapidly growing population along with the protection of the environment. This responsibility requires the development of innovative approaches to obtain, manufacture, use, and recycle wood products.

The invited speakers from different countries, Prof. Pawel Klosowski (Gdansk University of Technology, Poland), Prof. Takeshi Katayama (Kagawa University, Japan), Prof. Masoud Mojtahed (Purdue University Northwest, USA) and Prof. Tintner J. (University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria), equipped us with a deep understanding of pressing topics for the future of the wood industry such as nondestructive technique for detection of defects in thin plywood and dating of wood based on its molecular decay (MD) measured using FTIR-spectroscopy. The session provided critical information to support wood as a multifunctional material for applications in architecture and civil engineering.

The next session was on ‘Carbon Materials and Technology- Biomass, Epoxy, and Resins’, chaired by Prof. Kei Ohkubo (Osaka University, Suita, Japan) and Prof. Shaocai Yu (Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China). This thematic session witnessed a discussion on key issues of carbon materials technology and society.

Experts presenting their translational research and innovations in the thematic sessions. ©IAAM Media

The invited speaker Prof. Haruo Kawamoto (Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University, Japan) elaborated the molecular mechanisms of wood pyrolysis in order to quicken the catalytic pyrolysis for obtaining the improved quality of the biofuel.

Another invited speaker, Prof. Janis Teteris (Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia, Latvia) focused on azobenzene-containing materials in the film form which are well known for the induction of optical anisotropy and also for surface micro-patterning. Here the mechanism based on the photo-induced softening of the matrix, formation of defects with enhanced polarizability, and optical field gradient forces was discussed.

Dr. Robert Eberlein (Zurich University of Applied Sciences, ZHAW, Winterthur, Switzerland) described advanced research on finite element (FE) modeling of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomers and elaborated material calibration process of TPU materials that can help enhance product innovation processes.

Oral talk of Dr. Rogerio Farage (Federal University of Vicosa, Brazil) on the use of kraft pulp in the removal of sulfate in acid mine drainage and Prof. Z. Fuat Toprak (Dicle University, Turkey) on the impact of oil use on the surface water and also determining the polluting level of surface water resources in Diyarbakir, Turkey, was informative in the prominent research areas.

Poster Session on Noval Innovations and Technology

During Day 2 of the conference, a poster session was held on: “Novel Innovations and Technology”, which highlighted recent research, innovation, and technology of inter-trans disciplinary areas of materials and chemical technology. The poster session jury members, Prof. Z. Fuat Toprak and Prof. Shaocai Yu reviewed the quality and evaluated the posters.

Poster Presentation during the 4th BCS ©IAAM Media

IAAMs 26th Felicitation Ceremony

IAAM has always believed in commending the scientists and young technocrats to inspire them to bring innovative technology at the doorstep of social empowerment. The 26th IAAM felicitation ceremony was held on 16th May 2019. The aim of the IAAM felicitation ceremony was to recognize as well as reward the innovative ideas of researchers, scientists, and technocrats and motivate them to progress in their respective research areas.

Prof. Takeshi Katayama (Kagawa University, Japan) was honored by IAAM Medal 2019 for his notable and outstanding research in the natural products. Dr. Eneli Haerk (Helmholtz-Zentrum für Materialien und Energie GmbH, Germany), Dr. Tsanangurayi Tongesayi (Monmouth University, USA), Dr. Moshe Averbukh (Ariel University, Israel) and Dr. Rogerio Farage (Federal University of Vicosa, Brazil) were awarded IAAM Scientist Medals 2019. Prof. Kei Ohkubo (Osaka University, Japan), Prof. Qingyuan Wang (Sichuan University and Chengdu University, China), Prof. Haruo Kawamoto (Kyoto University, Japan) were felicitated with IAAM Award Lecture 2019.

Conference: Day 3

On Day 3, the plenary session II was chaired by Prof. Roger Narayan.  The day started with an innovative talk by Dr. Reza Abbaschian (Director of Winston Chung Global Energy Center, University of California Riverside (UCR), USA) on the split sphere high pressure and high temperatures (HPHT) apparatus for the formation of diamond, graphene, and graphite from molten metals. It was an amazing discovery to bring man-made diamonds to the market.

Dr. Eneli Haerk, gave a full elucidation of the carbon microstructure by small angle X-ray scattering to provide an interesting insight to enhance the performance of the energy storage and conversion devices. A study was demonstrated by Dr. Bum Gun Kwon (Dept. of Bioenvironmental and Chemical Engineering, Chosun College of Science and Technology) on the styrene oligomers (SOs), which are indicators of polystyrene (PS) plastic contamination in the environment. The transport of SOs into the marine environment and their physicochemical properties were discussed to understand the behavior of SOs present in the environment. The advanced methods for removing contaminants from water using thiol-modified surfaces containing ester linkages were described by Prof. Tsanangurayi Tongesayi.

The next session of plenary session II on ‘Novel innovations and technology’ was chaired by Dr. Eneli Haerk, an invited lecture by Dr. Kei Ohkubo on lithium-ion highlighted its electron transfer chemistry.

The next invited lecture by Dr. Janez Cerkovnik (University of Ljubljana, Slovenia) focused on peroxone importance in the food industry as disinfection. Prof. Julius Natterer (Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Switzerland) described the quality of life-based on simple and high-tech wooden structures.

Keynote talk of Prof. Greg Nordin (Brigham Young University, USA) on Epoxy and Resins Technology – 3D Printing with photopolymerizable resins for Lab-on-a-Chip devices, significantly imparted knowledge of latest technology.

The next session on ‘Novel innovations and technology’ was chaired by Dr. Reza Abbaschian. Prof. Qingyuan Wang (President, Sichuan University and Chengdu University, Chengdu, China) described the fundamentals and experimental techniques for the assessment of very high cycle fatigue for its significant applications in key projects of high-speed rail, aerospace, and automobile industries.

Novel Innovation and Technology Session Speakers during the 4th BCS. ©IAAM Media

Prof. Moshe Averbukh (Ariel University, Ariel, Israel) elaborated the theoretical description of carbon felt electrical resistance. Oral talk of Prof. Z. Fuat Toprak and Dr. Hayder J Salem (Australian College of Kuwait, Kuwait) described ancient bridges and pressure screens capacity respectively. Oral talk of Mariele Fioreze (Universidade Federal de Vicosa, Brazil) on kraft pulp for thermal pretreatment and Ms. Jing Qian (Beijing Forestry University, China) on wood characteristics by exposure of wax and oil was quite informative.

International consortium on spin-off ideas

The consortium was focused on the new-age research, innovations, and technology with the primary aim to bridge industry and academia in order to stimulate global cooperation and create a platform for building the multi-inter-trans-disciplinary projects.

An international consortium on spin-off ideas opened with world-class panelists. ©IAAM Media

The eight panelists, named as below having vast experience in the innovations, and technology of their respective fields to sharing knowledge, joint infrastructures, commercial IPRs, high-quality publications, etc.

1. Alain Brillard, Université de Mulhouse, France
2. Reza Abbaschian, Winston Chung Global Energy Center, University of California Riverside (UCR), USA
3. Qingyuan Wang, Sichuan University and Chengdu University, China
4. Tsanangurayi Tongesayi, Manmouth University, USA.
5. Greg Nordin, Brigham Young University, USA
6. Eneli Härk, Soft Matter and Functional Materials, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin fur Materialien und Energie GmbH, Germany
7. Claudio Mudadu Silva, Federal University of Vicosa, Brazil
8. Ashutosh Tiwari, Institute of Advanced Materials, VBRI, Sweden

Guest of honors conveys to the panelists in the international consortium on spin-off ideas during 4th BCS. ©IAAM Media

The consortium runs with a defined agenda and always opens for all participants to share their view of point, inline of their expertise. Important view and steps were discussed by all scientist and professors covering topics of open dialogue conversation (Dr. Reza), training and funding support (Dr. Wang), best infrastructure of company and limitation of academic (Dr. Silva), mutual support and benefit (Dr. Haerk), commercialized technology and thinking gap (Dr. Nordin), best policy and possible collaboration (Dr. Tongesayi), translational research and technology (Dr. Tiwari), working technology and research (Dr. Brillard). Important comments from the audience were mentioned by Dr. Natterer about the involvement of more engineers and architects with the connection of policy makers. The desired objectives of the consortium were accomplished with the active participation of delegates and minutes were circulated for the next follow-up meetings.

Conference: Day 4

The last and Day 4 of the international conference began with the plenary session, chaired by Prof. Alain Brillard. An eminent scientist, Prof. Masuhiro Kogoma (Sophia University, Tokyo), delivered keynote lecture on surface oxidation on the liquid crystal polymer (LCP) glass fiber composite plate for its applications in refining the adhesion property with epoxy glue on the short staple glass fiber composite plate and the refining of the self-thermos compression bonding ability of films was shown.

Prof. Shaocai Yu (Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China) presented a talk to introduce a novel precision air pollution control approach (PAPCA) to mitigate severe urban haze events.

A hybrid trajectory-receptor model and a comprehensive 3-D atmospheric model, to pinpoint the origins of emissions leading to such events and to optimize emission controls, were presented. Prof. Z. Fuat Toprak presented an innovative talk on ideal velocity concept with reference to the transfer of water from one region to another.

The last Session on ‘Novel innovations and technology’ was chaired by Prof. Z. Fuat Toprak (Dicle University, Turkey) and Dr. Hayder Salem (Australian College of Kuwait, Kuwait). Invited lecture of Prof. Hiroaki Sasai (Osaka University, Japan) focused on hetero-helicenes synthesis. Ms. Larissa Born (University of Stuttgart, Germany) presented an extremely informative talk on adaptive FRP (fiber-reinforced plastics) structure which is a better adjustable, weather-resistant, adaptive system.

Mr. Zheyuan Ding (Beijing Forestry University, China) provided a brief description of the gram-scale synthesis of crystalline graphene quantum dots (GQDs) derived from lignin biomass potential and its application as excellent nano-probes for multicolor bioimaging. Mr. Rafles Anselmo da Mata (Federal University of Vicosa, Brazil) delivered a talk on biological treatment of kraft pulp mills.

Cultural and Social activities

The 4th BCS also provided dedicated time for the delegates to explore the Scandinavian culture, food, historical monuments, etc. It has also provided a great opportunity to spend more time with colleagues and to exchange new ideas from the conference with the enjoyment of the natural beauty of Scandinavia.

Cultural and Social activity at two Scandinavian capitals (Helsinki & Stockholm). ©IAAM Media

The cultural program was organized in the evening to provide an excellent opportunity to learn a little more about Scandinavian language and culture.

Social activity during the Congress. © IAAM Media

Scandinavian culture is unique and during 2nd and 3rd day evening, as part of the conference program, the delegates were offered a special taste of Scandinavia.

Closing Ceremony and Remark

In the closing ceremony, Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari gave the concluding remarks and expressed his gratitude to the scientific community members for sharing their experience and results, advice, and brilliant suggestion in this interdisciplinary congress.

The motive of this event was to unite the academia and industrialists on a common platform to translate laboratory research into product development at a commercial scale, and it was accomplished by the open scientific discussions between the young minds and experienced technocrats.

The goal of the research community united in this conference is to transform technology into commercialized products and bring them to the market. The conference witnessed vibrant scientific discussion and the exchange and sharing of experiences and research results among scientists, researchers, and research scholars.

The Congress also served as a premier interdisciplinary platform to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, concerns, practical challenges encountered, as well as the solutions adopted in various fields for achieving global excellence.