Domain: Science

Varying the ionic content of the polymers can result in large variations in the
microstructure of these materials resulting in significantly different proton and ion
transport in them. In ionic polymers with limited number of ionic groups, the
incompatibility of the hydrophobic backbone polymer, and ionic groups results in ion-
rich aggregates or microphase-separated domains [1-4]. The ionic group aggregation
produces changes in the chemical, mechanical, dielectric, and transport properties [1].
Understanding the effect of microstructure of ionic polymers on these properties has
been a major challenge for material developers [2]. An important class of ionic
polymers, mainly sulfonated polymers, is being investigated as electrolyte material
for polymer electrolyte membrane in fuel cells. Currently, commercial perfluorinated
membrane materials such as Nafion [3], which have high chemical stability, long term
durability, and excellent proton conductivity at low-operating temperatures find
potential applications in fuel cells [4]. As an alternative to Nafion, several
hydrocarbon polymer membranes are also being investigated. Among them,
membranes using polymer blends are very promising [5,6]. In addition to the
mechanical and electrical properties of these membranes, wetting characteristics are
also very important [7].
1. Tant, M. R.; Wilkes, G. L. Structure and Properties of Ionomers; Pineri, M.;
Eisenberg, A. Eds., NATO ASI Series: Reidel, Dordrecht; 1987.
2. Schlick, S. Ionomers: Characterization, Theory, and Applications; CRC Press:
Boca Raton; 1996.
3. Kreuer, K. D. J. Membr. Sci. 2001, 185, 29.
4. Rikukawa, M.; Sanui, K. Prog. Polym. Sci. 2000, 25, 1463.
5. Mahesh, A.; Deshpande A. P.; Varughese S. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2013, 127, 5100.
6. Kanakasabai, P.; Deshpande, A. P.; Varughese, S. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2013, 127,
2140.
7. Kanakasabai P., Vijay, P.; Deshpande, A. P.; Varughese S. J. Power Sources 2011,
196, 946.

1
Domain: Engineering
Copper, because of its excellent electrical and thermal properties is used in several
applications where there are frequent abrasive actions like electrical brushes and
switches [1]. However, the poor mechanical properties (Elastic modulus=0.117 TPa)
of Cu limit its wide range application [2]. Copper is a ductile metal, so frequent
intimate rubbing contact generates appreciable friction and heat leading to surface
wears of the copper metal. This limits the long term service life of copper and leads to
overall material loss. Carbon nanotubes and Graphene because of their superior
electrical, thermal and mechanical properties can be used as reinforcement in the
matrix of copper for improvement of the above problems [3-5]. The excellent
mechanical properties of these carbon nanomaterials would certainly help to improve
the mechanical and wear properties of copper metal without affecting the conductivity
to a greater extent [6-7].
References:
1) Xin Gao, Hongyan Yue et al. J of Materials Science and Technology, 1925- 1931,
34, 2018.
2) Rajguru Angadi, Vishwanath Koti, Dr. Raji George, 2394-0697, 3, 2016.
3) Rajatendu Sengupta, Mithun Bhattacharya et al. J of Progress in Polymer Science,
638-670, 36, 2011.
4) Guanghua Gao, Tahir Çagin et al. J of Nanotechnology, 184-191, 9, 1998.
5) Rodney S. Ruoff, Donald C. Lorents, J of Carbon, 925-930, 33, 1995.
6) Luiz Claudio Pardini et al J of Materials Research, 233-239, 10, 2007.
7) Chao Zheng, Xufeng Zhou et al. J of Power Sources, 290-296, 258, 2014

2
Domain: Humanities

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have forced instructors to revisit the typical
teach-learn-assess cycle that is more common in a face-to-face classroom [1].
Provision for formative assessment and feedback are quite critical for converting a
MOOC from an information-broadcasting platform to a more engaging educational
experience for the learner. As identified by [2], there have already been numerous
attempts at creating formative assessment and feedback in MOOCs, each with its own
advantages and limitations. Peer-assessment has been one of the most widely applied
approach to provide the necessary feedback but without instructor moderation it
suffers from the issue of lack of credibility [3]. With improvement in technology,
several systems like [3],[4] have been created to improve accuracy of peer assessment
results. The analysis of results provided by these systems indicates that MOOC
instructors have to use a combination of the available methods, rather than a single
system. This makes the peer assessment more accurate and useful as a formative
assessment tool. Such combinations can also leverage peer learning through
discussion forums and may also possibly augment the summative evaluation or
credentialing.

[1] J. R. Frederiksen and A. Collins, "A systems approach to educational testing,"

Educational Researcher, vol. 18, no. 9, pp. 27-32, 1989.
[2] J. Costello and D. Crane, "Technologies for learner-centered feedback," Open
Praxis, vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 217-225.
[3] B. Furman and W. Robinson, "Improving engineering report writing with
Calibrated Peer Review™," in 33rd Annual Frontiers in Education Conference,
Piscataway, NJ, 2003.
[4] C. Piech et al. (2013) Stanford University. [Online]. "
http://www.stanford.edu/~cpiech/bio/papers/tuningPeerGrading.pdf

3
Domain: Engineering
Colloidal suspensions and colloidal gels find its application in various
paints,foods,surfactants, etc. industries. Knowledge of properties of colloidal gels is
required, to find its proper application in various industrial products, and processes.
Geltion of colloidal system results in the solid-like material whose behaviour can be
investigated using rheology. Varying the mixing fractions and concentrations of
colloidal systems, varying salt or particle concentrations, results into different arrested
states due to different interparticle interactions. These behaviour can be investigated
by micro and macro rheology [2][3]. Now, more focus is emphasized on the
microdynamics of colloidal system which is believed to reveal more information
about the properties and behaviour. The relation between micro-structure and non-
linear rheology, understanding of phase diagram and microstructural rearrangements
have been investigated for polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) particles sterically
stabilized by a graft layer of polyhydroxystearic acid (PHSA) [1].

References
1. H. K. Chan, A. Mohraz, “Microdynamics of dense colloidal suspensions and gels
under constant-stress deformation,” Journal of Rheology.
2. M. Laurati, S. U. Egelhaaf, “Nonlinear rheology of colloidal gels with intermediate
volume fraction,” Journal of Rheology. 55, 673-706 (2011)
3 M. Pilavtepe, S. M. Recktenwald, R. Schuhmann, K. Emmerich, and N.
Willenbacher, “Macro- and microscale structure formation and aging in different
arrested states of Laponite dispersions,” 62, 593-605 (2018).