Polymer Materials & Analytical Chemist

Rajeev Bhatia

**** ****** ***** *****,

Hixson, TN 37343

Phone No. Cell 423-***-****

Email: ************@*******.***

OBJECTIVE

To seek an opportunity in a senior hands-on role in polymer or material related product development/testing, applied research, quality control and/or processing/compounding operation.

EDUCATION

1991 Ph.D., Polymer Science, University of Akron, Ohio.

Dissertation on Synthesis, Architecture and Microstructure of Poly (1,3,5-Hexatriene)

1987 M.S., Polymer Science, University of Akron, Ohio.

Thesis on Anionic Polymerization of 1,3,5-Hexatriene

1982 B.Sc., Chemistry, University of Bombay, India.

EMPLOYMENT

Sep 2020 – Feb 2026

Director Corporate Lab, Mohawk Industries., Dalton, GA.

Managed and maintained analytical lab (GC, ICP, DSC, FTIR, NMR, NIR) for Mohawk’s various flooring products (carpets, mats, porcelain tiles, wood flooring).

Interpretation of data to help R&D, product development and manufacturing processes.

July 2017 –June 2020

Sr. Research Chemist, Mohawk Ind., Dalton, GA.

Research alternate materials for flooring applications besides PVC.

Developed solution for creating anti-skid tiles. Research adhesive technologies that were plasticizer resistant to make cushioned vinyl products.

Worked on several long-term projects including bio-fillers for LVT and UV-resistant cushion vinyl products for outdoor applications.

Mar 2007- Dec 2016

Senior Research Scientist, INVISTA Engineered Polymer Solutions (now part of Radici)

Developed heat stabilized, super tough PBT and Nylon-6,6 compounds, including compounds with high-slip surface for automotive industry and scaling up to manufacturing.

Developed highly loaded, glass reinforced Nylon-6,6 products with improved surface characteristics.

Developed and scaled-up hydrolysis resistant N66 compounds for Radiator End Tank market. Also worked on next generation compounds with enhanced glycol resistance. Worked to develop various products with specifications, for major OEMS like Ford, Valeo and Behr.

Blow moldable and extrudable N66 grades were successfully conceptualized and developed for automotive and consumer industry.

Assisted in designing and installation of N66 fiber recycling facility.

Developed test procedures and trained technicians on various test machines.

Extensive experience in compounding using twin-screw extruders and processing machines like injection molders. Use of Minitab/Design Expert for DOE and analysis.

Proficient in the use of various polymer testing /analytical equipment ASTM and ISO.

Interpreting physical property data (including rheology, SEM) to understand/develop and modify polymer formulations.

July 2002 – Mar 2007

Product Research & Development Chemist, Applied Thermoplastic Resources (now called Piedmont Resins, Cartersville, GA).

Maintained and managed quality control lab for recycled nylon 6, 66 compounds.

Developed products using recycled nylons for extrusion and injection molding purposes.

Experience in recycling polyester and polypropylene fiber.

Involved in development of glass and mineral filled nylon compounds using TSE.

Some experience in plasticized nylon products for tubing for automobile industry (convoluted tubing).

Developed products based on soft-back nylon carpet (compatibilized nylon/PP). Worked hands with injection molding machine and plastic testing machines).

June 1999-Dec 2001

Research and Development Chemist, Technical Polymers.

Developed filled and reinforced nylon 6 and 66 and thermoplastic elastomer (TPEs), especially styrenic block copolymers compounds.

Aug 1998-Jan 1999

Research Chemist, Ferro Corporation, F&RP Division, Evansville, Indiana, USA.

Research and development of high-performance polyolefin blends/compounds and of filled and reinforced thermoplastics.

June 1997-July 1998

Technical Officer, Reliance Petrochemicals Limited, Bombay, India.

Utilize various additives to enhance polyethylene and polypropylene properties (lubricity, thermal etc.), using Berstorff ZE-25 Twin Screw co-rotating Extruder.

Preparation of additive master batches for polyolefins. Characterization of polyolefins using DSC, TGA and Capillary Rheometer.

Hands-on experience in configuring screw designs for the 25 mm twin screw extruder.

Hands-on experience with injection molding machines.

June 1995-May 1997

Technology Manager, Prem Industries, Bombay, India.

Responsible for the development of wax and emulsion leather coatings, currently being marketed in India, and for setting up a small-scale semi-automatic facility to manufacture water-based leather coatings.

Developed wax/polymer-based automobile and leather polishes.

May 1991-June 1995

Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Institute of Material Science, University of Connecticut. Responsibilities entailed designing, synthesizing and characterization of end-functionalized polystyrene, polyisoprene, poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(dimethyl siloxanes) and block copolymers.

Worked at Institute Charles Sadron, Strasbourg, France, to conduct research on end-functionalized block copolymers to be used for adhesion/surface modification studies as well as compatibilizers for polymer blends.

Extensive experience with NMR (1H and 13C), GPC, FT-IR, DSC and UV spectroscopy.

Jan 1990-Apr 1991

Research Chemist, Ferro Corporation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Responsibilities included research and development of cost effective/ high-performance polymer blends of polyolefins, styrene polymers/copolymers and nylons using single and twin-screw extruders.

Successfully developed surface-paintable TPO and thermoformable polypropylene-polystyrene blends.

ACADEMIC

Sep 1984-Dec 1990

Graduate student at the University of Akron, Ohio.

Synthesized homopolymers and block co-polymers of 1,3,5-hexatriene, both functionalized and un-functionalized, using anionic polymerization techniques.

Used various analytical tools like FT-IR, 13Cand 1H NMR Spectroscopy, GPC, UV Spectroscopy for polymer characterization.

Characterization of branched HDPE using 13C-NMR

PERSONAL: I enjoy interacting with customers for a deeper understanding of their needs. I am also a firm believer in protecting/preserving our resources and enjoy working in areas that reduce consumption of fossil fuel, biodegradable materials and recycling.

PATENTS, PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

1.Adhesion Enhancement of Polymer Blend Interfaces by Reactive Block Copolymer Brushes,

J.T. Koberstein, R. Bhatia, W. Hu et al., C. R. Chimie 9, 45-49, 2006

2. Creating Smart Polymer Surfaces with Selective Adhesion Properties.

J. T. Koberstein, R. Bhatia et al., J. Adhesion, 66, 229 (1998).

3. Frequency Weldable Polymer Articles (Ferro Corporation).

US Patent 5,601,889, EP642550A1

4. Alkyl lithium Initiated Polymerization of Trans 1,3,5-Hexatriene and Copolymerization with Styrene. R. P. Quirk and R. Bhatia, Rubber Chemistry and Technology, 62, 332 (1989).

5.Quirk R.P.; Bhatia R.S.; Wesdemiotis C.; Arnould M.A.; Wollyung, K. Synthesis of diene-functionalized macromonomers via functionalization with hexa-1,3,5-triene.

Macromol. Chem. Phys. 2003, 204, 2183-2196.

6. Synthesis and Characterization of Anhydride-Terminated Polystyrene.

(Part of Ph.D. Dissertation).

7. Anionic Polymerization of Hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane in the Presence of Lewis Bases.

J. T. Koberstein and R. Bhatia, paper presented at the ACS Meeting, Anaheim, CA, 1994.

8. Lecture on Recent Developments in Anionic Polymerization, Honorarium awarded by

Shell Development Company, Houston, Texas, 1994.

9. Thermoplastic Composition in High Impact Applications (INVISTA S.a.r.l),

Patent Application US2014/0031476 A1, Jan 30, 2014 – patent granted, EP13818122

10. Compositions of Polyhydric Alcohols and Polyamides (INVISTA S.a.r.l),

Patent Application WO2013033287 A2/A3 A1, EP 2742097A2.

11. Mohawk Patent for low melt flow, anti-skid polymer blend.US Patent 12,497,542 issued 2026.

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