Mukesh Kathalewar, PhD

Lead Scientist @ Pidilite Industries Limited

About

R&D professional with over a decade of experience driving polymer innovation from concept to high-volume commercial production. Proven track record in developing high-performance materials and managing the scale-up processes. Expert in bridging the gap between molecular design and industrial process optimization to deliver market-ready solutions. Seeking to leverage deep technical expertise in a senior leadership role focused on next-generation material science and sustainable product lifecycles.

Country

India

City

Mumbai

Industry

Chemicals

Skill

Adhesives, Sealants, Product Innovation, Product Management, Product Lifecycle Management, Strategic management, Business Strategy, Product Development, Materials, Chemistry, Polymers, Polymer Chemistry, Coatings, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, R&D, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Characterization, TGA, Nanotechnology

Experience

Lead Scientist

Pidilite Industries Limited

2024-7 - Present · 2 yrs 3 mos

Mumbai

Leading team for Araldite segment. Responsible for NPD/Product improvements/complaint handling and technical services. Involvement with cross functional teams during the project execution and product life cycle

Manager

Advanced Materials-Aditya Birla Chemicals

2022-7 - 2024-7 · 2 yrs 1 mo

Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

New product development for formulated epoxy, amines for applications such as Coatings, Adhesives, grouts, etc. New product designing as per requirements through various synthesis routes or chemical modifications and reverse engineering to meet specifications.

Deputy Manager

Advanced Materials-Aditya Birla Chemicals

2020-1 - 2022-7 · 2 yrs 7 mos

New Mumbai

Product / Application development for civil and coatings, scale up, customer trials and technical services

Sr Scientist

Huntsman Corporation

2018-9 - 2020-1 · 1 yr 5 mos

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Product Development and Technical Support for Coatings, Composites & Adhesives segments. Products handled include polyetheramines, ethylene amines, amine catalysts etc.

Technologist

Applied Materials

2018-6 - 2018-9 · 4 mos

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Project handled on development of PU prepolymers for 3D printing applications

Assistant Manager -Synthesis

Aditya Birla Group

2014-12 - 2018-6 · 3 yrs 7 mos

New Mumbai

Process development for epoxy resins and polyamine curing agents. Experience in developing processes for epoxy resins, polyamines and their raw materials.

Research Fellow

Institute Of Chemical Technology

2010-7 - 2015-1 · 4 yrs 7 mos

Mumbai

Research Projects: M. Tech: Studies in Non-Isocyanate Polyurethane Systems (Worked on NIPU chemistry for coating applications) PhD: Synthesis of Sustainable Functional Materials for Coating Applications (The work includes synthesis of newer materials from bio-based renewable resources and their application for coatings.)