Julia Puseletso Mofokeng | nanocomposites | Women Researcher Award

Posted on by ScienceFather

Dr. Julia Puseletso Mofokeng | nanocomposites | Women Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer / Researcher at University of the Free State, South Africa

Dr. Julia Puseletso Mofokeng is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher in the Department of Chemistry at the University of the Free State (UFS), QwaQwa Campus, South Africa. She holds a Ph.D. in Polymer Science (2015) from UFS, where she also obtained her M.Sc. and B.Sc. degrees. Her research focuses on polymer-titania nanocomposites and sustainable polymers. As an NRF Y2-rated Emerging Researcher (2021-2025), Dr. Mofokeng is recognized for her contributions to polymer science, receiving the Best Emerging Researcher award in Natural and Agricultural Sciences (QwaQwa Campus) in 2016.

Publication Profile

orcid

scopus

Academic and Research Contributions

Dr. Mofokeng teaches Honours-level modules in Physical Polymer Science and Polymer Testing and Characterization at UFS. She supervises Honours, Master’s, and Ph.D. students, actively publishing research in polymer science. In her roles, she oversees the research laboratory, sources research funding, and contributes to curriculum development.

Professional Experience

Since 2019, Dr. Mofokeng has been a Senior Lecturer, previously serving as a Lecturer (2017–2018), Officer in Professional Services (2011–2017), and Research Assistant (1999–2011). Her extensive experience in research operations has involved hands-on roles in laboratory management, equipment maintenance, student training, and conducting complex polymer analyses.

Skills and Expertise

Dr. Mofokeng is proficient in a variety of scientific instruments, including DSC, TGA, FTIR, DMA, and rheometers, essential for polymer characterization and analysis. She has experience with SEM, TEM, and STEM techniques and is skilled in synthesizing polymers, composites, and nanocomposites.

Publication  Top Notes

 

Preparation of PLA/PHBV/GO Composites for Lead Ion Removal

Publication: Polymer Composites, 2024

Focus: Develops PLA/PHBV/GO composites specifically for selectively removing Pb(II) ions from water.

Synthesis of Graphene Oxide for Lead Ion Removal

Publication: Carbon Trends, 2024

Focus: Details the synthesis and properties of GO aimed at lead ion adsorption in water.

Morphology and Thermal Properties of PLA/PHBV/GO Composites

Publication: Polymer Engineering and Science, 2024

Focus: Analyzes structural and thermal aspects of PLA/PHBV/GO composites.

Properties of Polybutylene Succinate-Pineapple Leaf Fiber Composites

Publication: Heliyon, 2023

Focus: Discusses chemical and thermal properties of eco-friendly PBS composites using waste fibers.

Review on Graphene-Based Biodegradable Polymer Composites

Publication: Materials, 2023

Focus: Reviews the use of graphene in polymer composites for heavy metal adsorption in water.

Polysiloxane in Guar Gum-Polyaniline Matrix

Publication: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2018

Focus: Studies the effect of polysiloxane on the thermal and optical properties of a modified guar gum matrix.

LDPE with Carbon Black, Zinc, and Paraffin Wax

Publication: Journal of Polymer Research, 2017

Focus: Investigates the thermo-switch properties of LDPE composites with various additives.

Thermal Stability of PCL/PLA Composites with Layered Silicates

Publication: Polymer Testing, 2016

Focus: Explores thermal stability enhancements in PCL/PLA composites.

PLA/PHBV Nanocomposites with TiO₂ as Filler

Publication: Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2015

Focus: Analyzes the thermal degradation and morphology of PLA/PHBV blends with TiO₂ fillers.

Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Various Biodegradable Polymer Blends

Publication: Thermochimica Acta, 2015

Focus: Examines mechanical properties of PLA/PHBV, PLA/PCL, and PHBV/PCL blends with TiO₂ nanofillers.

 

Conclusion

Dr. Mofokeng’s achievements and dedication make her a strong candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her contributions to polymer science, leadership in academia, and consistent service to the University of the Free State highlight her commitment to her field and inspire future women researchers. With continued efforts to expand her international research footprint, she stands poised to make an even greater impact in polymer science.

Vadim Krongauz | Polymer Physical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by ScienceFather

Prof Dr. Vadim Krongauz | Polymer Physical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. ICU Medical, Inc, United States

A seasoned scientist with over three decades of experience in polymer science, Dr. [Name] has expertise in developing, formulating, and testing radiation-resistant polymers, antimicrobial coatings, and protein-compatible coatings. They have held significant roles at ICU Medical Co., Baxter Healthcare Corp., Surtec Inc., DSM Desotech Inc., E. I. DuPont, and The Dow Chemical Company, contributing to innovations in medical devices, photopolymers, and pharmaceutical packaging. Dr. [Name] has published extensively, taught at universities, and holds numerous patents. They have received multiple awards for their contributions to research and development in polymers and medical solutions. Dr. [Name] holds a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Washington and has completed coursework for a Ph.D. in Software Engineering from DePaul University.

 

Professional Profiles:

Scopus

🎓 Education

Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (1977-1982)Adviser: Professor B. Seymour Rabinovitch, F.R.S.B.S./M.S. in Chemistry, Moscow State University (Lomonosov), Moscow, USSR (1970-1975)Completed course requirements for Ph.D. in Software Engineering, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, USA (1997-2001)

🌟 Areas of Expertise

Polymers and Polymeric Composites Development, Formulation, Testing, Organic Synthesis:Radiation-resistant polymersAntimicrobial coatingsProtein-compatible coatingsPhotochromic coatingsRadiation-curable coatingsAdhesives, inks, CD lacquers, DVD adhesivesBarrier polymersSurfactants and emulsions for parenteral nutritionPhotopolymers and PhotoresistsImaging mediaReaction kineticsMolecular transport & diffusionRadioisotope and fluorescent labelingRadiation and PhotochemistryAnalytical Techniques:UV/Vis/FT-IR and Fluorescence SpectroscopyDynamic Light ScatteringHPLC, GC, GC-MSGel-Permeation, Ion-Exchange, and Radio-ChromatographyMass-SpectrometryNeutron Activation AnalysisOptical MicroscopyComputer Image AnalysisESR, NMRDynamic Mechanical AnalysisDifferential Scanning CalorimetryThermo-Mechanical AnalysisThermogravimetric AnalysisPolymer mechanical testingSoftware Engineering:Programming: C++, SAS, FORTRAN, Perl, Java, J2EE, HTML, XML, XSML, Standard ML, Open GL, RenderMan, POV-Ray, UNIX shell scriptingSoftware: Microsoft Office (Access, Excel, Word), Sigma Plot, PSI PlotMolecular modeling: Gaussian, GaussView, HyperChemImage Analysis: ImagePro Plus, ImageJStatistical Analysis, Design of Experiments: SAS, Minitab; Six Sigma

 

🏢 Professional Experience 

2017-present: Research Investigator Polymer Scientist, ICU Medical Co.Location: 3900 Howard Blvd., Austin, TX 78728Contact: Tel.: 512-244-8836Responsibilities: Designing a laboratory, solving polymer film extrusion problems, developing polymer packaging for medical solutions, and new methods of polymer bonding.2008-2017: Senior Research Scientist, Baxter Healthcare Corp.Responsibilities: Developing antimicrobial coatings, adhesives, and site sterilization indicators. Formulating protein-compatible coatings and analyzing the thermal and radiation stability of materials.2004-2008: Research Scientist, Baxter Healthcare Corp.2004: Sr. Development Chemist, Surtec Inc.Responsibilities: Synthesizing oligomers and polymers, formulating water-based and solvent-based emulsions, and scaling up synthesis.2003-2004: Professor, University of Illinois, Chicago, ILResponsibilities: Synthesizing complex esters, organometallic compounds, and teaching Advanced General Chemistry and Advanced Organic Chemistry courses.1992-2003: Sr. Research Associate, DSM Desotech Inc.Responsibilities: Developing UV and radiation-curable coatings, CD lacquers, DVD adhesives, and leading a technical team for new business development.1987-1992: Staff Research Chemist, E. I. DuPONT de NEMOURS & COMPANYResponsibilities: Developing photopolymers for digital information storage, printing, photoresists, and conducting image analysis for coating quality control.1984-1987: Senior Research Chemist, The DOW Chemical CompanyResponsibilities: Developing methods of impurity control and analysis, synthesizing fluorescent and radioisotope-labeled polymers, and building plant analytical facilities.1982-1984: Postdoctoral Research Associate, Argonne National Laboratory/University of ChicagoResponsibilities: Studying the kinetics of fast electrochemical reactions and modeling electron transfer rates in organic solids.Additional Professional Activities:Adjunct Professor at DePaul University since 1993Editor of “Processes in Photoreactive Polymers” (1995)Visiting Scientist at Argonne National Laboratory (1990-1993)

🏆 Awards

Three DSM Desotech Inc. awards for Innovations and Excellence in ResearchBaxter Healthcare Corp., Technology Resources Ingenuity Award (2005)Baxter Healthcare Corp. Corporate Technical Award (2007): Customer FirstBaxter Healthcare Corp. Corporate Technical Award (2007): Outstanding InnovationBaxter Healthcare Corp., Technology Resources Ingenuity Award (2008)

✍️Publications Top Note :

Article: Kinetics of Plasticized Poly(vinyl chloride) Thermal Degradation, Induction, Autocatalysis, Glass Transition, Diffusion

Authors: Krongauz, V.V.

Journal: ChemistrySelect, 2024, 9(23), e202401031

Article: Kinetics of Poly(vinyl chloride) Thermal and Thermo-Mechanical Degradation in the Presence of Epoxidized Plasticizer. Induction Effect

Authors: Krongauz, V.V., DePolo, W.

Journal: Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2023, 140(7), e53482

Book Chapter: Instrumentation

Authors: Menczel, J.D., Andre, R., Krongauz, V.V., Szécsényi, K.M., Grebowicz, J.

Source: Handbook of Differential Scanning Calorimetry: Techniques, Instrumentation, Inorganic, Organic and Pharmaceutical Substances, 2023, pp. 793–840.

Book Chapter: Fundamentals of DSC

Authors: Menczel, J.D., Andre, R., Kohl, W.S., Reading, M., Grebowicz, J.

Source: Handbook of Differential Scanning Calorimetry: Techniques, Instrumentation, Inorganic, Organic and Pharmaceutical Substances, 2023, pp. 1–189

Article: Kinetics and Mechanism of Plasticized Poly(vinyl chloride) Films Autohesion. Interface Effect

Authors: Krongauz, V.V.

Journal: Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 2022, 147(6), pp. 4177–4195

Article: Compensation Effect: Sublimation, Diffusion in Polymers, Polymer Degradation

Authors: Krongauz, V.V.

Journal: Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 2019, 138(5), pp. 3425–3444.

Article: Synthesis of Solvatochromic Merocyanine Dyes and Their Immobilization to Polymers

Authors: Nordhaus, M.A., Krongauz, V.V., Hai, T.T.

Journal: Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2017, 134(5), 44451

Article: Kinetics of Water Vapor Diffusion in Resins

Authors: Krongauz, V.V., Bennett, S.E., Ling, M.T.K.

Journal: Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 2016, 125(1), pp. 231–243

Article: Revisiting Analysis of Phthalate Plasticizers Concentration in Poly(vinyl chloride)

Authors: Krongauz, V.V., Ling, M.T.K., O’Connell, J.

Journal: Journal of Vinyl and Additive Technology, 2015, 21(3), pp. 197–204

Conference Paper: Kinetics of Catalyst-Free Thermal and Photo-Oxidation of Cumene

Authors: Krongauz, V., O’Connell, J.F., Ling, M.T.K.

Journal: Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 2014, 116(3), pp. 1285–1299