Expertise

• Development, scale-up and manufacture of membranes by thermally-induced phase separation process.
• Separators for Li-ion batteries.
• Fluoroionomer membranes.
• Microporous membranes and films for breathable barrier applications.
• Membrane separations for water treatment applications.
• Other membrane products and processes such as uses as pervaporation and gas separation.
• Membrane testing and characterization.

Experience

Independent Consultant, Present

• Research and development of a novel proton conductive membrane.

3M Corporation, 1994 - 2009

Product Development Specialist, Nuess, Germany, 2005 - 2009

• Developed and scaled-up of a new filtration/adsorption media for automotive cabin filtration.
• Developed several products in the area of cabin air filtration for a major multinational customer.
• Served as a membrane expert on a multidisciplinary team developing fluoroionomer membranes.

Product Research Specialist, Neuss, Germany, 1999 - 2005

• Led a European water filtration project and identified several attractive business opportunities in the water management markets.
• Set up preliminary laboratory capabilities to investigate novel membranes for treatment of water sources and scaled-up these membranes to a continuous pilot line.
• Developed several innovative solutions in the area of pressure sensitive adhesives addressing the following features: high thermal conductivity, good removability and optimized wet-stick performance.

Research Specialist, St. Paul, MN, 1994 - 1999

• Invented, developed and scaled-up of a novel process for making membranes by thermally-induced phase separation (TIPS) - a new technology platform with a significant commercial potential.
• Invented and developed a unique Li-ion battery separator with a low-temperature shutdown feature.
• Responsible for the technical development that led to the introduction of three new products based on TIPS (organic electronics semiconductor) technology.
• Developed several new characterization techniques for membranes and microporous films.
• Served as a leading 3M expert for membrane separations, materials and applications.

Senior Research Engineer/Scientist, St. Paul, MN, 1990 - 1994

• Responsible for the technical development as a part of the international technology transfer of a microporous membrane made by the blown film process.
• Invented, developed and scaled-up to production a microporous membrane for use in viral barrier gowns.
• Developed and set up quality control test methods for microporous membrane production.
• Extensive experience in statistical process control and use of designed experiments to optimize microporous membrane properties.

IHTM Institute, Belgrade, Yugoslavia, Consultant, 1980 - 1985

• Feasibility and research studies for domestic chemical and rubber industry.
• Consulting for chemical, plastics and rubber industry.

Honors & Publications

Academic and Professional Affiliations

• European Membrane Society
• Reviewer for the Journal of Membrane Science

Credentials

• Chair of the 3M European University Committee
• Chair and 3M representative at the Industrial Advisory Board of the Center for ~Separations - Thin Films at the University of Colorado.

Publications and Patents

• 8 papers in the area of membrane separations and formation.
• 11 U.S. patents in the area of membrane technology.

Education

• Ph.D. Chemical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
• M.S. Chemical Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Yugoslavia
• B.S. Chemical Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Yugoslavia