Nima Alizadeh - Materials Scientist & Polymer Engineer

Materials Scientist & Polymer Engineer

Nima
Alizadeh

Ph.D. Auburn UCSB Postdoc Saint-Gobain 12+ Publications

Developing next-generation polymer materials for aerospace, biomedical, and semiconductor applications — from interpenetrating networks to 3D-printed functional systems.

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0+ Journal Publications
0+ Conference Presentations
0+ Years of Research
0 Degrees Earned
About Me

Building the Materials of Tomorrow

Nima Alizadeh
Graft-Interpenetrating Polymer Network diagram

Graft-IPN — core research focus

I am a materials scientist with a strong background in polymer engineering, materials development, and advanced manufacturing.

Most recently, I worked as a Senior Research Engineer at Saint-Gobain ENC, developing sustainable high-temperature materials for aviation, aerospace, and automotive industries. Previously, as a postdoctoral scholar at UC Santa Barbara, I developed DLP 3D printing resins and designed block copolymer materials for semiconductor thin-film patterning with Tokyo Electron (TEL).

My Ph.D. and M.S. at Auburn University focused on interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) — a special polymer blend achieving 150% improvement in fracture toughness for transparent, high-impact structural materials, composites, and thermal energy storage.

Advanced Polymers

IPN synthesis, block copolymers, photocurable resins

Additive Manufacturing

DLP, SLA, FDM, and DIW 3D printing

High-Performance Materials

Aerospace, automotive, and biomedical applications

Get in Touch Download CV
IPN applications — Auburn University research: transparent panels, military, aerospace, carbon fiber composites
IPN Applications — Transparent panels, aerospace, military & composites
3D printed hydrogel samples and DLP printing process
DLP 3D Printing — Hydrogel actuators & functional resins (UCSB)
Structural analysis and materials characterization
Structural Analysis & Materials Characterization
Education

Academic Background

Jan. 2017 – May 2021 Ph.D.

Auburn University

Ph.D., Polymer and Fiber Engineering

GPA: 3.93 / 4.0

Thesis: Acrylic-polyurethane based graft-interpenetrating polymer networks for high-performance applications.

Jan. 2017 – Dec. 2018 M.S.

Auburn University

M.S., Polymer and Fiber Engineering

GPA: 3.92 / 4.0

Thesis: Crosslinkable 3D printing inks for biomedical applications.

Sept. 2011 – Feb. 2016 B.Sc.

University of Tehran

B.Sc., Polymer Engineering

Thesis: Nano-biocomposites: properties, manufacturing processes, and applications in eco-friendly products for packaging and agriculture.

Experience

Professional Journey

Aug. 2024 – Present Current

Independent Consulting & Professional Development

Materials Scientist — AI-Driven Solutions & Technical Consulting

  • Deliver freelance consulting in advanced polymers, manufacturing, and materials development for early-stage projects and R&D teams.
  • Support AI model development in materials science through data annotation and technical validation at the intersection of materials and machine learning.
  • Pursuing certifications in Battery Technologies, PCB Fabrication, Python, Machine Learning Specialization (Stanford/DeepLearning.AI), Additive Manufacturing, and Deep Learning.
Jan. 2024 – Jul. 2024

Saint-Gobain Mobility – ENC

Senior Research Engineer I

  • Developed high-temperature polymer materials delivering >30% improvement in thermal stability, wear resistance, and mechanical flexibility for sealing/insulation in aviation, aerospace, and automotive industries.
  • Hands-on experience with extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, Block-on-Ring, tensile testing, and other methods.
  • Conducted instrument troubleshooting, followed ASTM standards, and contributed to experimental planning and data analysis.
June 2021 – Sept. 2023

University of California, Santa Barbara

Postdoctoral Scholar — Materials Department

  • Developed DLP 3D printing resin enabling surface modification through multilayer polymer electrolytes for electronics, biomedical devices, sensors, and metal ion capture.
  • Designed and synthesized block copolymer materials for selective thin-film deposition for Tokyo Electron (TEL), enabling advanced semiconductor patterning strategies.
  • Utilized 3D printing, spin coating, FTIR, NMR, XPS, AFM, UV-Vis, and Ellipsometry.
Jan. 2017 – May 2021

Auburn University — Center for Polymers and Advanced Composites

Graduate Research Assistant (Ph.D.)

  • Synthesized high-performance acrylic-polyurethane graft-IPNs with 150% improvement in fracture toughness and excellent cycling stability (25+ thermal cycles) for structural materials, composites, and thermal energy storage.
  • Processed polymers via compression molding, plastic molding, and 3D printing; characterized using DMA, tensile, DSC, TGA, rheology, and SEM.
Jan. 2017 – Dec. 2018

Auburn University — Center for Polymers and Advanced Composites

Graduate Research Assistant (M.S.)

  • Developed and optimized crosslinkable 3D printing inks for direct ink writing (DIW) technology with tunable rheology and high structural fidelity for tissue engineering, orthodontic devices, and organ modeling.
Jan. 2015 – Sept. 2015

University of Tehran

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Studied properties, manufacturing processes, and applications of nano-biocomposites for eco-friendly packaging and agriculture products.

Skills

Technical Expertise

Materials Characterization

DMATensile TestingRheometryDSC TGAFTIRNMRXPSXRD SEMAFMUV-VisEllipsometry Block-on-RingOptical Microscopy

Polymer Processing

FormulationInjection MoldingExtrusion Compression MoldingSLADLPFDM DIW 3D PrintingSpin Coating

Technical Software

ChemDrawMnova NMRTA Universal Analysis DataGraphLaTeXAutoCADAdobe Photoshop

Programming

PythonMATLABC++

Machine Learning & AI

  • Advanced Learning Algorithms — Coursera, Stanford/DeepLearning.AI (Andrew Ng), Oct. 2025
  • Supervised Machine Learning: Regression and Classification — Coursera, Stanford/DeepLearning.AI (Andrew Ng), Jun. 2025
  • Generative AI For Everyone — Coursera, DeepLearning.AI (Andrew Ng), Sept. 2025
  • AI For Everyone — Coursera, DeepLearning.AI (Andrew Ng), Aug. 2025

Additive Manufacturing Specialization (5-Course Series)

Coursera – Arizona State University (Dhruv Bhate), Aug. 2025

  • Design for Additive Manufacturing
  • Selective Laser Sintering and Metal Laser Powder Bed Fusion
  • Material Jetting and Stereolithography
  • Material Extrusion
  • Introduction to Additive Manufacturing Processes
  • Filament — Bambu Lab Academy, Feb. 2026

Battery Technologies Specialization (5-Course Series)

Coursera – Arizona State University (Arunachala Nadar Mada Kannan), Jul. 2025

  • Lithium Based Batteries
  • Battery Comparison, Manufacturing, and Packaging
  • Batteries and Electric Vehicles
  • Zn and Ni Based Batteries
  • Primary and Secondary Batteries

Other Technical Certifications

  • Fundamentals of PCB Fabrication and Assembly — IPC EDGE, Apr. 2025
  • The Complete Python Bootcamp From Zero to Hero — Udemy (Jose Portilla), Apr. 2025
  • C++ — Sololearn, Jul. 2024
  • Introduction to MATLAB — Tehran Institute of Technology, Aug. 2016
Research

Publications

1

N. Alizadeh, E. Broughton, M. Auad, "Graft semi-interpenetrating polymer network phase change materials for thermal energy storage," ACS Applied Polymer Materials 2021, 3 (4), 1785–1794.

IPNThermal Energy StorageACS
2

N. Alizadeh, E. Triggs, R. Farag, M. Auad, "Flexible acrylic-polyurethane based graft-interpenetrating polymer networks for high impact structural applications," European Polymer Journal 2021, 148, 110338.

IPNStructuralFracture Toughness
3

N. Alizadeh, A. Celestine, M. Auad, V. Agrawal, "Mechanical characterization and modeling stress relaxation behavior of acrylic–polyurethane-based graft-interpenetrating polymer networks," Polymer Engineering & Science 2021, 61 (5), 1299–1309.

IPNStress RelaxationMechanical Modeling
4

N. Alizadeh, D. Thorne, M. Auad, A. Celestine, "Mechanical performance of vinyl ester-polyurethane interpenetrating polymer network composites," Journal of Applied Polymer Science 2021, 138 (19), 50411.

IPNCompositesVinyl Ester
5

N. Alizadeh, M. Barde, M. Minkler, A. Celestine, V. Agrawal, B. Beckingham, M. Auad, "High-fracture-toughness acrylic-polyurethane-based graft-interpenetrating polymer networks for transparent applications," Polymer International 2020, 70 (5), 636–647.

IPNTransparent MaterialsFracture Toughness
6

N. Alizadeh, S. Bird, R. Mendez, K. Jajam, A. Alexander, H. Tippur, M. Auad, "Chapter 11 — Synthesis and characterization of high performance interpenetrating polymer networks with polyurethane and poly(methyl methacrylate)," in Unsaturated Polyester Resins, Elsevier: 2019, pp. 243–255.

Book ChapterIPNElsevier
7

Y. Wang, N. Alizadeh, M. Barde, M. Auad, B. Beckingham, "Poly(acrylic acid)-based hydrogel actuators fabricated via digital light projection additive manufacturing," ACS Applied Polymer Materials 2022, 4 (2), 971–979.

DLPHydrogel ActuatorsACS
8

Y. Choi, S. Warnock, N. Alizadeh, P. Nguyen, D. Kottage, O. Phillips, Z. Chen, M. Chabinyc, C. Bates, "Acid-sensitive molecular glasses as removable thin-film protective layers," Chemistry of Materials 2023, 35 (23), 10078–10085.

Thin FilmsSemiconductorBlock Copolymer
9

J. Hinkle, A. Bansode, N. Alizadeh, A. Poudyal, J. Thornhill, A. Bass, X. Zhang, A. Adamczyk, T. Elder, M. Auad, "Nickel hydroxide growth on renewable activated carbon microfibers for the development of supercapacitors," Journal of Applied Polymer Science 2023, 140 (28), e54052.

SupercapacitorsEnergy Storage
10

M. Minkler, X. Hou, N. Alizadeh, M. Auad, A. Schindler, L. Beckingham, B. Beckingham, "Curing kinetics of tetrathiol-crosslinked diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A and poly(ethylene oxide)diglycidylether," Materials Letters 2022, 310, 131491.

Curing KineticsEpoxy
11

P. Nguyen, D. Callan, E. Plunkett, M. Gruschka, N. Alizadeh, M. Landsman, G. Su, E. Gann, C. Bates, D. DeLongchamp, M. Chabinyc, "Resonant soft X-ray scattering reveals the distribution of dopants in semicrystalline conjugated polymers," The Journal of Physical Chemistry B 2024, 128 (50), 12597–12611.

X-ray ScatteringConjugated Polymers
12

J. Blankenship, A. Levi, D. Goldfeld, J. Self, N. Alizadeh, D. Chen, G. Fredrickson, C. Bates, "Asymmetric miktoarm star polymers as polyester thermoplastic elastomers," Macromolecules 2022, 55 (12), 4929–4936.

Star PolymersThermoplastic ElastomersMacromolecules
  1. N. Alizadeh, R. Broughton, M. Auad, "Acrylic-polyurethane based graft semi-interpenetrating polymer networks for phase change applications," This is Research: Student Symposium 2021, Auburn University, Mar. 2021.
  2. N. Alizadeh, R. Farag, M. Auad, "Flexible graft-interpenetrating polymer networks for transparent, high-performance applications," SPE Automotive Composites Conference & Exhibition (ACCE) 2020, Sept. 2020.
  3. N. Alizadeh, V. Agrawal, A. Celestine, M. Auad, "Acrylic-polyurethane based graft-interpenetrating polymer networks for high impact structural applications," American Chemical Society Fall 2020 Virtual Meeting, Aug. 2020.
  4. N. Alizadeh, R. Farag, M. Auad, "Flexible acrylic-polyurethane based graft-IPNs for transparent applications," American Chemical Society Fall 2020 Virtual Meeting, Aug. 2020.
  5. N. Alizadeh, R. Farag, M. Auad, "Flexible graft-IPNs for high impact structural applications," CPAC Graduate Summer Seminar Series 2020, Auburn University, Aug. 2020.
  6. N. Alizadeh, V. Agrawal, A. Celestine, M. Auad, "High-performance acrylic-polyurethane based graft-IPNs for transparent applications," This is Research: Student Symposium 2020, Auburn University, Apr. 2020.
  7. N. Alizadeh, V. Agrawal, A. Celestine, M. Auad, "Novel graft-IPNs for protection applications," Graduate Engineering Research Showcase 2019, Auburn University, Nov. 2019.
  8. N. Alizadeh, V. Agrawal, A. Celestine, M. Auad, "Novel acrylic-polyurethane based graft-IPNs for advanced applications," Chemical Engineering Open House 2019, Auburn University, Nov. 2019.
  9. N. Alizadeh, V. Agrawal, A. Celestine, M. Auad, "Novel graft-IPNs for transparent applications," CPAC Graduate Summer Seminar Series 2019, Auburn University, Jun. 2019.
  10. N. Alizadeh, V. Agrawal, A. Celestine, M. Auad, "Novel acrylic-polyurethane based graft-IPNs for transparent applications," This is Research: Student Symposium 2019, Auburn University, Apr. 2019.
  11. N. Alizadeh, M. Auad, "3D bioprinting inks for UV-assisted direct ink writing technology," American Chemical Society Spring 2019 National Meeting, Orlando, FL, Mar. 2019.
  12. N. Alizadeh, V. Agrawal, A. Celestine, M. Auad, "Novel graft-IPNs for military applications," Chemical Engineering Open House 2018, Auburn University, Nov. 2018.
  13. N. Alizadeh, V. Agrawal, A. Celestine, M. Auad, "Novel acrylic-polyurethane based graft-IPNs for military applications," Graduate Engineering Research Showcase 2018, Auburn University, Oct. 2018.
  14. N. Alizadeh, V. Agrawal, A. Celestine, M. Auad, "Novel graft-IPNs consisting of polyurethane and acrylic copolymer," CPAC Advisory Board Meeting 2018, Auburn University, Oct. 2018.
  15. N. Alizadeh, M. Auad, "Novel 3D printing inks for biomedical applications," Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition 2018, Auburn University, Oct. 2018.
  16. N. Alizadeh, B. Cleary, M. Auad, "Cross-linkable hydrogels for 3D printing," Thermal and Catalytic Sciences Symposium (TCS) 2018, Auburn University, Oct. 2018.
  17. N. Alizadeh, V. Agrawal, A. Celestine, M. Auad, "Thermo-mechanical characterization of transparent acrylic-polyurethane based graft-IPNs," NanoBio Summit 2018, Montgomery, AL, Jul. 2018.
  18. N. Alizadeh, M. Auad, "Photo-curable inks for 3D printing," CPAC Graduate Summer Seminar Series 2018, Auburn University, Jul. 2018.
  19. N. Alizadeh, V. Agrawal, A. Celestine, M. Auad, "Graft-IPNs comprising polyurethane and acrylic copolymer," This is Research: Student Symposium 2018, Auburn University, Mar. 2018.
  20. N. Alizadeh, M. Auad, "Cross-linkable Hydrogels for 3D Bioprinting," ACS Spring 2018 National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, Mar. 2018.
  21. N. Alizadeh, V. Agrawal, A. Celestine, M. Auad, "Acrylic-polyurethane based Graft-Interpenetrating Polymer Networks," ACS Spring 2018 National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, Mar. 2018.
  22. N. Alizadeh, M. Auad, "Transparent acrylic-polyurethane based graft-IPNs," Graduate Engineering Research Showcase 2017, Auburn University, Nov. 2017.
  23. N. Alizadeh, M. Auad, "Graft-IPNs consisting of polyurethane and acrylic copolymer," Chemical Engineering Open House 2017, Auburn University, Apr. 2017.
  24. N. Alizadeh, M. Auad, "Thermo-mechanical characterization of acrylic-polyurethane based graft-IPNs," This is Research: Student Symposium 2017, Auburn University, Apr. 2017.
Leadership

Service & Recognition

Graduate Student Council — President

Auburn University | May 2019 – May 2020

Served as graduate student representative on the Graduate Council and Faculty Senate for 4,000+ students. Presided over Executive Board meetings; approved all official GSC communications and financial forms.

Graduate Student Council — Senator

Auburn University | Aug. 2018 – May 2019

Represented the chemical engineering department, operated as the collective voice for graduate students in university affairs and the Student Government Association (SGA).

Scientific Journal Reviewer

Ongoing

Serving as a peer reviewer for high-impact scientific journals including Journal of Applied Polymer Science and Polymer International.

GSC Events Committee Member

Auburn University | Aug. 2018 – May 2019

Coordinated networking and social events, the Outstanding Graduate Mentor program, and the "This is Research: Student Symposium."

Honors & Awards

2020

Three Minutes Thesis (3MT) — Finalist

Auburn University

2020

Finish in 5 — Finalist

CEGS 5-minute presentation competition, Auburn University

2020

ACS Graduate Research & Travel Fellowship

Selected for ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting

2019

Three Minutes Thesis (3MT) — Finalist

Auburn University

2019

Finish in 5 — Runner Up

CEGS 5-minute presentation competition, Auburn University

2019

GSC Certificate of Appreciation

Recognition of dedicated service to Auburn University GSC

Contact

Let's Connect

"Believe you can and you're halfway there."

— Theodore Roosevelt

I'm open to research collaborations, consulting engagements, and exciting opportunities in materials science and polymer engineering.

nimaalizadeh184@gmail.com LinkedIn Profile

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