INCCOM-19 Concludes in Pune: A Milestone for Composite Innovation

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Pune, 31st January 2025: The 19th ISAMPE National Conference on Composites (INCCOM-19) concludes today at the Four Points Sheraton, Pune. This landmark event brought together leading minds from R&D organizations, academia, and industry under the theme “Innovative Technologies in Composites.” Jointly organized by the Research and Development Establishment (Engineers) [R&DE (E)] under DRDO and the ISAMPE Pune Chapter, the two-day conference served as a catalyst for advancements in composite technologies.

During the inaugural session, Dr. Samir V Kamat, Chairman DRDO announced that the organization is developing Radiation Absorbent Materials (RAM), a special type of composite material, to meet the stealth requirements of the under-development 5th generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Dr. Kamat emphasised that these composite materials have enhanced the sturdiness of the Tejas fighter aircraft and have also contributed to achieving longer missile ranges
in recent projects.

Keynote Lectures and Technical Discussions

The conference featured insightful keynote addresses from industry stalwarts, including:

Shekhar Sardessai, Managing Director, Kineco Limited, Shripad Tokekar, Dassault Systèmes

Cmdr Amit Ray from DND (SDG) of Indian Navy delivered a compelling presentation on the importance of composites for naval applications.He highlighted the role of indigenously developed sonar domes in enhancing the capabilities of the Indian Navy. Looking ahead, he emphasized that next-generation warships will be lighter, faster, and stealthier, with composites playing a crucial role. Future advancements, he noted, must focus on high-strength materials that are
also transparent to sonar, ensuring superior acoustic performance.

Across multiple sessions, over 50-60 technical papers were presented, covering topics such as:

· Advanced mechanics of composites Materials, manufacturing, and 3D printing

· Nano and hybrid composites

· Smart composites with self-diagnosis and self-healing
capabilities, integrating machine learning

· Future research areas, including nano fillers and hybrid
biofillers for enhanced performance, 3D printing of composites.

R&DE (E): Driving Composite Innovation

A highlight of the conference was the role of R&DE (E), a premier DRDO laboratory, in advancing indigenous composite technologies. The organization showcased its recent breakthroughs, including:

· Stealth materials for enhanced fighter aircraft

· Sonar domes for naval vessels, ensuring superior acoustic precision

· Composite military bridges, which are lightweight yet robust for rapid deployment

· Nanoparticle-infused composites and fiber additive manufacturing, paving the way for futuristic applications

With its state-of-the-art Composites Research Center, R&DE (E) continues to develop low-cost, high-performance composite manufacturing technologies like VARTM and RFI, reinforcing India’s self-reliance in defense and aerospace sectors.

Exhibition and Industry Participation

The conference was supported by industry leaders, including:

· Platinum Sponsor: Dassault Systèmes

· Gold Sponsors: Aditya Birla Group, RR Industries, and Kineco Limited

· Silver Sponsors: Various reputed organizations contributing to India’s composite ecosystem

The accompanying exhibition showcased cutting-edge composite technologies, providing attendees with a first-hand look at innovations from R&DE (E), platinum, gold, and silver sponsors.

A Step Towards the Future

With a strong focus on collaboration, innovation, and self-reliance, INCCOM-19 reinforced India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in composite technology. The discussions and partnerships forged during the conference will drive advancements in smart composites, machine learning-enabled materials, and next-generation naval and aerospace applications.

As the event concluded, delegates expressed optimism about the future, emphasizing the need for high-strength, multifunctional, and sustainable composites to shape India’s defense, aerospace, and industrial landscape.