Smart Biocomposite Materials

Ts. Dr. Md Rezaur Rahman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Energy Sustainability, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Malaysia. Since 2012, he has also served as a Visiting Research Fellow at the Faculty of Engineering, Tokushima University, Japan. His academic journey includes experience as a teaching assistant at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and as a Research Project Leader under the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education. In 2015, he was appointed as an External Supervisor at the Faculty of Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia. Dr. Rahman holds a Ph.D. from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak and brings over 12 years of experience in teaching, research, and industry collaboration. His research expertise spans conducting polymers, nanocomposites, and advanced materials, including graphene, nanoclay, fire retardants, and nanocellulose-reinforced polymer composites. He has made significant contributions to the development of hybrid-filled polymer blends and the chemical modification of lignocellulosic fibers such as jute, coir, and kenaf. To date, Dr. Rahman has authored seven books, 20 book chapters, and over 200 articles in international journals, establishing himself as a prominent researcher in polymer science and nanotechnology. He is also listed in Stanford University's Top 2% Scientists list of the world's most cited scientists. Dr. Hj. Muhammad Khusairy Bin Capt. Hj. Bakri is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Washington State University (WSU), specializing in materials and mechanical engineering. He holds a PhD (2018), MEng (2016), and BEng (2014) from Swinburne University of Technology. Dr. Khusairy's research focuses on enhancing the durability, interfacial interaction, and stability of composites through advanced thermal and chemical treatments, with an emphasis on bio-composites for sustainable and economically viable applications. With expertise in wood composites, bio-composites, biomaterials, and wastewater treatment, he has published over 279 scholarly works, including journal articles, book chapters, newspaper/bulletin, and conference proceedings. Dr. Khusairy has previously served as a Research Fellow at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and has collaborated on international research projects across Malaysia and abroad. A certified Graduate Engineer and Professional Technologist under the Malaysian Board of Technologists (MBOT), he is also a lifetime member of the Association of Professional Technicians and Technologists (APTT). Dr. Khusairy's contributions have been recognized internationally, including being a finalist for the Alumni Impact Awards 2022 and being featured in Successful People in Malaysia 2023.