JIAXI LI
Polymer Processing Engineer & Material Scientist
Department of Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, 44325
*****@****.******.***
PROFILE
5-year hands-on experience of polymer processing: formulation, compounding, extrusion and compression molding.
Polymer characterization and data analysis: rheometry, DMA, TGA, DSC, FTIR, NMR, microscopy and mechanical testings.
Deep understanding of processing-structure-property relationship of polymer/filler-filled polymer systems.
Experience in bio-based rubber additives research and development.
Rheology of polymers.
Excellent oral presentation, scientific writing and communication skills.
Scientific software: MS Office, SigmaPlot, AutoCAD and MATLAB. EDUCATION
Ph.D. Candidate
Department of Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH. August 2014 – May 2017 (Expected Graduation)
Advisor: Dr. Avraam I. Isayev
Master of Science
Department of Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH. Polymer Engineering (2012-2014)
Bachelor of Engineering
East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China. Polymer Materials and Engineering (2009-2012)
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Innovative Research and Development: Toward Replacement of Petroleum Plasticizers by Modified Soybean Oils in Rubbers
Motivation and Hypothesis:
Conventional rubber plasticizers rely on petroleum resource, some are carcinogenic.
Green, reactive and abundant soybean oil could be a replacement, but with drawbacks.
Modification of soybean oil with dienes (DCPD, isoprene) through Diels-Alder reaction could increase the reactivity of C=C bonds effectively, with minimum cost.
Modified soybean oil could be used in different types and molecular structures of rubbers, various fillers and curing systems.
Achievements:
Wide applications in rubbers:
Different rubbers: linear SBR, tin-coupled SBR, CR and IIR.
Different filler systems: CB, precipitated silica and CB/silica hybrid fillers.
Different curing systems: sulfur, metal oxide and resin curing systems.
Higher performance compared with conventional petroleum plasticizer:
Modified soybean oil provides better mechanical performance, curing rate, scorch safety, hot air aging resistance, thermal stability, and desirable dynamic behaviors.
Rolling resistance, wet traction and abrasion resistance of SBR containing modified soybean oil are simultaneously improved for tire applications.
Investigated reactions of modified soybean oil with different compounding ingredients. Jiaxi Li 2/2
Successfully developed suitable adjustment in processing and formulation for various rubbers containing modified soybean oil.
Proposed empirical model for crosslink density change of rubbers by using modified soybean oil. Research Collaboration: Dynamic Revulcanization of Devulcanized Tire Rubber/PP blend
Designed an optimized rubber curing formulation for successful dynamic revulcanization of ultrasonically devulcanized tire rubber in blends with PP. Research Collaboration: Effect of Plasticizer in Ultrasonic Devulcanization of Recycled Tire Rubber
Study the effect of various plasticizers content on the ultrasonic devulcanization of ground tire rubber.
Achieved a low temperature, low VOC emission and effective process for recycling tire rubber. Other Research Experiences:
SBR/Oleic Acid, SBR/Thiol, SBR/Silylated Soybean Oil, Use of Ultrasonic Devulcanized Recycled Tire Rubber in Bicycle Tires, Thermally Conductive Silicone Rubber. PUBLICATIONS
[1] Li, J.; Isayev, A. I.; Ren, X.; Soucek, M. D., Modified Soybean Oil-extended SBR Compounds and Vulcanizates Filled with Carbon Black. Polymer 2015, 60, 144-156.
[2] Li, J.; Isayev, A. I.; Ren, X.; Soucek, M. D., Effect of Norbornyl Modified Soybean Oil on CB filled Chloroprene Rubber. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133 (33).
[3] Li, J.; Isayev, A. I.; Ren, X.; Soucek, M. D., Toward Replacement of Petroleum Oils by Modified Soybean Oils in Elastomers. Rubber Chem. Technol. 2016 (Accepted) CONFERENCE PAPERS
[1] Isayev, A. I.; Li, J.; Ren, X.; Soucek, M. D., Modified Soybean Oil-extended SBR Compounds and Vulcanizates Filled with Carbon Black, ACS Rubber Division 186th Technical Meeting Pap.59 (2014).
[2] Li, J.; Isayev, A. I.; Ren, X.; Soucek, M. D., Modified Soybean Oil Plasticizer in Carbon Black-filled SBR, SPE Tech. Pap., 60, 867-874 (2015).
[3] Li, J.; Isayev, A. I.; Ren, X.; Soucek, M. D., Toward Replacement of Petroleum Oils by Modified Soybean Oils in Tire Applications, ACS Rubber Division 188th Technical Meeting Pap. 106 (2015).
[4] Li, J.; Isayev, A. I.; Ren, X.; Soucek, M. D., Comparative Study of CB, Silica and CB/Silica Filled SBR Extended by Norbornylized Soybean Oil, ACS Rubber Division 190th Technical Meeting Pap. (2016)
(Accepted).
PATENT APPLICATION
[1] Modified Soybean Oil-Extended SBR Compounds and Vulcanizates Filled with Carbon Black. WO/2015/074035, 2015.
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
Vice President of University of Akron Chinese Student and Scholarships Association. (2014-2015)
Volunteer teacher for foreign languages, music and art classes with more than 500 students of different ages and nationalities. (2012-now)
AWARDS
2012 CHINAPLAS Future Car Design Competition Second Prize
2013 Outstanding Graduate Student Award by Shanghai Municipal Education Commission
2016 SPE ANTEC Travel Award
2016 Ohio Rubber Group Graduate Student Award
2016 Victor Montenyohl Scholarship