Polymer Engineering & Compounding Expert
Resume:
XIANG GAO
Department of Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325
acwipv@r.postjobfree.com
POLYMER ENGINEERING & COMPOUNDING EXPERT
POLYMER PROCESSING FUNCTIONAL POLYMER COMPOSITES & BLENDS ANALYSIS & CHARACTERIZATION
Career Objectives: Polymer/Polymer Composites Engineer
A well-qualified PhD candidate knowledgeable at polymer composites and proficient in various characterization techniques, skilled in polymer processing with comprehensive experience
A detail-oriented and diligent professional good at critical thinking and issue identifying/solving, well- developed written and oral communication ability in English with numerous publications and presentations
A self-motivated academic with robust work ethic and strong ability to thrive in both individual and team work
Deep understanding of structure-property relationship of polymer composites and polymer blends
In-depth knowledge of the experimental and theoretical aspects of the rheology and mechanics of polymers and particulate filled polymer systems
Served as a Peer Reviewer for SCI Journals
Extensive hands-on experience in extrusion, compounding, film casting, injection molding and fiber spinning
Expertise in rotational and capillary rheometry, thermal analysis (TGA, DSC, DMA), microscopy (SEM, TEM and optical microscopy), tensile test, impact test, electrical test (volume and surface resistivity), UV-vis and GPC
Software proficiency in MS Office, SigmaPlot, Origin and experience in MATLAB, AutoCAD Polycarbonate Functional Polymer Composites Polymer Blends Compounding Extrusion & Injection Molding Film Casting Rheology Thermal Analysis (DSC, TGA, DMA) Electrical Property Testing Mechanical & Impact Testing Optical & Electron Microscopy Teaching & Training EDUCATION
PhD Candidate in Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, United States August 2012 – May 2017 (Expected) Overall GPA: 4.0/4.0 Advisor: Avraam I. Isayev
Master of Science in Polymer Materials and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China August 2009 - June 2012
Advisor: Qiang Fu
Bachelor of Engineering in Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China September 2005 - June 2009
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
2012 - Present Polymer Physics, Plastic & Rubber Processing Group The University of Akron, US Ultrasonically aided twin-screw extrusion of Polycarbonate (PC)/CNTs composites and study of its properties Motivation:
Dispersion and distribution of nanofiller in polymer composites highly influences the properties of the products.
Ultrasonic twin-screw extrusion technology is an efficient method to improve the dispersion and distribution of nanofiller and promote the application of polymer composites, e.g. conductive transparent films.
The properties of polymers, nanofillers, and the processing parameters highly affect the properties of composites. Achievements:
Extensively evaluated the influence of processing parameters on the properties of PC/CNTs (MWNTs and SWNTs) composites during ultrasonic extrusion.
Prepared PC/CNTs composites films with film casting method and explored the effect of CNTs concentration and ultrasonic treatment on the necking phenomenon during film casting process.
Systematically studied the processing characteristics, morphological, rheological, mechanical properties of the Xiang Gao Page 2/3
composites and their correlation.
Investigated the effect of ultrasonic treatment on the properties of PC/CNTs composites in different molecular weight PC.
Characterized the dispersion of CNTs in from micrometer scale to nanometer scale.
Achieved the so far lowest electrical percolation threshold in melt-processed PC/CNTs composites.
Proposed a mechanism on the significant effect of ultrasonic treatment on decreasing percolation thresholds.
Studied the thermal stability of PC and PC/CNTs composites during extrusion and ultrasonic treatment.
Explained necking phenomenon during film casting through the study of extensional rheology. Research Collaboration: Devulcanization of Ground Tire Rubber (GTR) and its blends with polypropylene (PP)
Conducted devulcanization of different size GTR with different screw configuration using ultrasonic twin-screw extruder and studied its rheological and mechanical properties.
Achieved PP/GTR blends with improved mechanical properties using dynamically revulcanization method and systematically studied the properties of PP/recycled GTR blends. 2009 - 2012 Polymer Physics & Polymer Nanocomposites Group Sichuan University, China Preparation of multifunctional conductive polymer fibers
Implemented double percolated structure to prepare multifunctional conductive polymer fibers at low CNTs concentration, optimized the electrical and mechanical properties of the fibers by controlling the conductive CNTs networks in PP/HDPE blends through solid state drawing and annealing.
Correlated the electrical properties of fibers with the CNTs network in the polymer composites during and after annealing process.
Studied strain sensitivity of strain sensing fibers from different thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)/CNTs composites, including SBS, OBC and TPU.
Modulating the strain sensitivity of TPE fibers by changing blending ratio of TPE/CNTs composites. Research Collaboration
Studied the crystallization behavior of PET and the method to improve the toughness of PET blends.
Modulating the conductive network in conductive polymer composites by incorporation of other nanofillers, e.g. metallic particles, carbon black.
Studied the effect of CNTs on improving the mechanical properties of polymer fibers by interfacial crystallization.
Improved the comprehensive mechanics of PP injection molded part by dynamic packing injection molding technology.
2009 Polymer Fibers Group Sichuan University, China Preparation of a new flame-retardant fiber without halogen
Prepared modified melamine formaldehyde (MF)-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber by wet spinning.
Improved the toughness of MF fiber by adding melamine derivatives or PEG 200 while maintaining the original flame-retardant properties.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Graduate Assistant for Office of Operations 2015-Present The University of Akron, US
Maintained, calibrated and troubleshoot the rotational rheometer (DHR-II and ARES G2, TA Instruments), capillary rheometer (RH7, Malvern) and thermal analysis equipment (TGA, DSC and DMA, TA Instruments).
Gave comprehensive training on rheometry and thermal analysis equipment and provided suggestions on colleagues’ experimental design. Conducted outside work for companies on rheological and thermal analysis. Teaching Assistant for Polymer Processing and Operations I 2015 The University of Akron, US Teaching Assistant for Polymer Engineering Laboratory Class 2014 The University of Akron, US
Helped outline and design the Polymer Engineering Laboratory Class structure.
Gave basic training on operating polymer processing equipment, including capillary rheometer, single screw extruder, film blowing and instructions on analyzing raw data. Peer Reviewer for SCI Journals 2016
Was invited to review papers from <Advances in Polymer Technology> and <High Performance Polymers>. Xiang Gao Page 3/3
PUBLICATIONS
1. Gao, X.; Isayev, A. I.; Yi, C., Ultrasonic treatment of polycarbonate/carbon nanotubes composites. Polymer 2016, 84, 209-222.
2. Gao, X.; Isayev, A. I.; Zhang, X.; Zhong, J., Influence of processing parameters during ultrasonic extrusion on the properties of polycarbonate/carbon nanotubes composites. 2016, to be submitted. 3. Gao, X.; Isayev, A. I.; Zhang, X.; Zhong, J., Using ultrasonic technology to prepare well-dispersed polycarbonate/carbon nanotubes composites at high flow rate. SPE ANTEC Indianapolis 2016, 519-527. 4. Gao, X.; Isayev, A. I., Effect of ultrasonic treatment on electrical and rheological percolation thresholds of polycarbonate-carbon nanotubes composites. SPE ANTEC Orlando 2015, 795-803. 5. Gao, X.; Zhang, S.; Mai, F.; Lin, L.; Deng, Y.; Deng, H.; Fu, Q., Preparation of high performance conductive polymer fibres from double percolated structure. Journal of Materials Chemistry 2011, 21 (17), 6401-6408. 6. Su, J.-j.; Peng, F.; Gao, X.; Yang, G.-h.; Fu, Q.; Wang, K., Superior toughness obtained via tuning the compatibility of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/poly(ethylene-octene) blends. Materials & Design 2014, 53 (0), 673-680. 7. Su, J.; Yang, G.; Zhou, T.; Gao, X.; Wang, K.; Fu, Q., Enhanced crystallization behaviors of poly(ethylene terephthalate) via adding expanded graphite and poly(ethylene glycol). Colloid. Polym. Sci. 2013, 291 (4), 911-917. 8. Lin, L.; Deng, H.; Gao, X.; Zhang, S.; Bilotti, E.; Peijs, T.; Fu, Q., Modified resistivity–strain behavior through the incorporation of metallic particles in conductive polymer composite fibers containing carbon nanotubes. Polym. Int. 2013, 62 (1), 134-140.
9. Zhang, S.; Lin, L.; Deng, H.; Gao, X.; Bilotti, E.; Peijs, T.; Zhang, Q.; Fu, Q., Synergistic effect in conductive networks constructed with carbon nanofillers in different dimensions, Express polymer letters, 2012, 6(2), 159-168. 10. Zhang, S.; Lin, L.; Deng, H.; Gao, X.; Bilotti, E.; Peijs, T.; Zhang, Q.; Fu, Q., Dynamic percolation in highly oriented conductive networks formed with different carbon nanofillers. Colloid. Polym. Sci. 2012, 290 (14), 1393-1401. 11. Mai, F.; Pan, D.; Gao, X.; Yao, M.; Deng, H.; Wang, K.; Chen, F.; Fu, Q., Extension-induced mechanical reinforcement in melt-spun fibers of PA 66/multiwalled carbon nanotube composites. Polym. Int. 2011, 60 (11), 1646-1654. 12. Su, R.; Zhang, Z.; Gao, X.; Ge, Y.; Wang, K.; Fu, Q., Polypropylene injection molded part with novel macroscopic bamboo-like bionic structure. The Journal of Physical Chemistry B 2010, 114 (31), 9994-10001. CONFERENCES (Full paper submission)
ANTEC 2016, INDIANAPOLIS, IN, UNITED STATES
Oral Presentation: Using Ultrasonic Technology to Prepare Well-dispersed Polycarbonate/Carbon Nanotubes Composites at High Flow Rate
Poster: Thermoplastic Elastomers Based of Dynamically Vulcanized Blends of Polypropylene and Ultrasonically Devulcanized Ground Tire Rubber
ANTEC 2015, ORLANDO, FL, UNITED STATES
Oral Presentation: Effect of Ultrasonic Treatment on Electrical and Rheological Percolation Thresholds of Polycarbonate-Carbon Nanotubes Composites
HONORS & AWARDS
Eastman Travel Award 2015 The University of Akron, US Excellence Award (Top 1 in the Department) 2014 The University of Akron, US Excellent Research Scholarship 2011 Sichuan University, China Excellent Graduate Student 2010 Sichuan University, China Scholarship for Graduate Student 2009 Sichuan University, China National Motivational Scholarship 2008 Sichuan University, China Excellent Undergraduate Student 2008 Sichuan University, China CERTIFICATE
Ten-hour OSHA Training 2015 The University of Akron, US PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Society of Plastic Engineering 2013 - Present
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