Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Publications
Grants And Scholarships
Languages
References
Timeline
Generic

Apurv Gaidhani

London,Canada

Summary

R&D Scientist with 5+ years of experience in industrial and academic research focused on polymer synthesis, formulation development, and process scale-up. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Western University, specializing in polymer-carbon composite foams with emphasis on structure-property optimization, sustainable materials, and advanced characterization techniques. Demonstrated ability to lead product development, perform analytical method development, manage cross-functional teams, and troubleshoot scale-up challenges. Proven experience in method validation, regulatory compliance and scientific communication.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

PhD

Western University
, Canada
01.2022 - Current
  • Development of Next Generation Polymer Carbon Composite Foam for a Sustainable Future:
  • Designed and synthesized PS-carbon composite foams using supercritical CO₂-assisted extrusion techniques.
  • Conducted extensive material characterization using SEM, DSC, FTIR, UTM, and micro-CT to study morphology, thermal properties, and mechanical performance.
  • Developed analytical methodologies and used SolidWorks for mechanical modeling of compression tests.
  • Evaluated recyclability, thermal insulation performance, and fire-retardant properties for industrial applications.
  • Performed literature review and prior-art searches to guide innovation and support publication/patent development.
  • Collaborated with manufacturing and testing teams to evaluate production-scale feasibility.

Senior Scientist- R&D (Polymer formulation and scale-up)

Pidilite Industries Ltd
, India
01.2017 - 01.2022
  • Led development of polymer emulsions and specialty coatings: fluoroacrylics, heat-reflective paints, PSA adhesives, and UV-curable polymers.
  • Designed formulations using polymerizable surfactants, optimized reaction kinetics and thermodynamic parameters.
  • Characterized polymers using NMR, FTIR, HPLC, GC, DLS, and Rheometry; validated methods for quality control.
  • Successfully transitioned lab-scale formulations to pilot scale, ensuring process reproducibility and cost-effectiveness.
  • Developed SOPs and maintained equipment; ensured ISO-compliant practices.
  • Mentored junior chemists and coordinated with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, marketing, characterization and QA.

Education

PhD - Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

Western University
Canada
07.2025

Master of Technology - Polymer Engineering and Technology

Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT)
Mumbai, India
01.2017

Bachelor of Technology - Chemical Engineering

Laxminarayan Institute of Technology (LIT)
Nagpur, India
01.2015

Skills

  • Polymer synthesis & formulation
  • Extruder operation
  • Emulsion polymerization
  • Pilot-scale reactor handling
  • Product formulation and scale-up
  • Polymer formulation development
  • Adhesive and coating technology
  • Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)
  • Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
  • Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
  • Universal Testing Machine (UTM)
  • Raman
  • Micro-CT
  • SOP writing
  • Method validatio
  • Statistical evaluation (DOE)
  • Thermal conductivity
  • Viscoelastic response (DMA)
  • Compressive stress-strain analysis
  • Design and execution of experimental protocols
  • Development of polymer-carbon composite foams
  • Data analysis and interpretation
  • Scientific writing
  • Publication preparation
  • Results communication
  • Simulation of mechanical behavior
  • SolidWorks
  • Abaqus CAE
  • Application of Design of Experiments (DOE)
  • Minitab
  • Visualization and data fitting
  • OriginPro
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Technical reporting
  • Result presentation

References

  • Prof. Paul Charpentier, Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Western University, Canada, pcharpen@uwo.ca
  • Prof. Lauren Tribe, Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Western University, Canada, lbriens@uwo.ca
  • Dr. Anubhav Saxena, President-R&D, Pidilite Industries Ltd, India, anubhav.saxena@pidilite.com

Publications

  • Synergistic Effects of Carbon Additives and Supercritical CO2 on the Cell Morphology and Thermal Insulation Performance of Extruded Polystyrene Composite Foam, Gaidhani, Apurv, Tribe, Lauren, Charpentier, Paul A., Polymer Engineering & Science, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1002/pen.27283
  • Enhancing mechanical performance of polystyrene carbon composite foams through supercritical CO₂ foaming: Experimental study and simulation analysis, Gaidhani, Apurv, Tribe, Lauren, Charpentier, Paul, Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials, 2025, Under review
  • The combined effect of supercritical CO2 and carbon additives on the mechanical performance of extruded polystyrene composite foam, Gaidhani, Apurv, Tribe, Lauren, Charpentier, Paul A., SPE ANTEC 2025 proceedings, 2025
  • Polystyrene carbon composite foam with enhanced insulation and fire retardancy for a sustainable future: Critical review, Gaidhani A, Tribe L, Charpentier P, Journal of Cellular Plastics, 2023, 59, 5-6, 419-453, https://doi.org/10.1177/0021955X231215753
  • Conversion of waste polyolefins to polyethylene wax via pyrolysis, Gaidhani, A., Mahanwar, P., Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects, 2023, 45, 1, 2112–2121, https://doi.org/10.1080/15567036.2023.2182848
  • Recycling: Converting Waste Plastics to Polyolefin Wax, A Gaidhani, P. Mahanwar, Encyclopedia of Polymer Applications, 2018, Munmaya Mishra, Taylor & Francis, https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351019422

Grants And Scholarships

  • Western Sustainable Impact Fund, 2025, For the project ‘Recyclable polymer composite foam for a sustainable future
  • MITCAS Accelerate Entrepreneur fellowship grant, 2024, 2 years
  • Western Sustainable Impact Fund, 2024, For the project ‘Recyclable polymer foam composite for a sustainable future

Languages

English
Professional
Hindi
Professional
Marathi
Professional

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

PhD

Western University
01.2022 - Current

Senior Scientist- R&D (Polymer formulation and scale-up)

Pidilite Industries Ltd
01.2017 - 01.2022

PhD - Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

Western University

Master of Technology - Polymer Engineering and Technology

Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT)

Bachelor of Technology - Chemical Engineering

Laxminarayan Institute of Technology (LIT)

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