Huiqun Wang

Developed well-defined polyolefin-based graft copolymer compatibilizer o Prepared graft copolymers at 99% conversion and narrow dispersity o Investigated thermal, crystalline, and rheological properties of graft copolymers to establish a fundamental understanding of structural properties and compatibilizer applications o Led and collaborated with a team of postdocs and graduate students • Developed model network for elastomer application using telechelic polyolefin o Designed unique chemistry that enables orthogonal chain extension and thermoset network formation o Investigating thermal, rheological and mechanical properties

Close collaboration with excellent scientists from ORNL in several projects: • Effect of polymer microstructures on unperturbed dimension, chain flexibility and glass transition temperature of TPE hard block. • Functionalization and characterization of poly(vinyl pyridine) based TPEs • Low-cost synthesis of TPE by thiol-ene click emulsion polymerization. • Synthesis of branched polybutadienes with customized branch numbers; hydrogenation using Parr reactor. In collaboration with an industrial company. Arranged meetings and writing technical reports.

Led and collaborated on multiple application-oriented projects relating to thermal plastic elastomers(TPEs). Systematically studied thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties, as well as solution properties. TPEs are widely used in automobiles, adhesives, coatings, and biomedical materials.: • Design, synthesis, and characterization of functional triblock thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). (Designed facile method to tailor mechanical and thermal properties of TPEs through composition.) • Development of multigraft super elastomers by economically efficient methodology. (In collaboration with an industrial company to commercialize super elastomers. Patented low-cost synthetic technology of polymer precursor.) • Preparation of high-temperature macromonomer for multigraft TPEs. (Upper service temperature increased by 50%.)

• Kept routine maintenance of triple-detector size exclusion chromatography (SEC). • Trouble shooting. • Trained users and provided safety guides. • Experienced in branch analysis and customized running conditions for internal users and industry clients.

Helped build up the first graduate course at UTK that includes hands-on experiments covering a wide range of polymer synthesis and characterization topics. • Drafted and optimized lab manuals, including a variety of polymer synthesis and characterization experiments. • Coordinate the class schedule based on the availability of the lab space and schedules of each student. • Mentored and supervised the graduate students during lab sessions. • Ensured a safe lab enivroment.

Advisor: Prof. Jimmy Mays Thesis: “Novel advanced thermal plastic elastomers and solution properties of polybenzofulvene”

Advisor: Prof. Bo Jiang Thesis: “Covalent immobilization of lipase onto Sephadex gel”