Polymer Consultant for Electronic Components, Wire & Cable and Flame Retardant Systems

Expertise

• Polymer selection for telecommunications equipment, wire, and cable applications.
• Real time polymer degradation, stabilization and failure analysis.
• Flame retardant polymers for wire and cable.
• Flame, smoke and toxicity testing protocols on wire and cable products.
• Characterization and analysis of polymers and polymer additives.
• Low dielectric loss polymer materials.
• Low dielectric loss and ultra low density foam insulation for coaxial cables.
• Polymer structure-property relationships.
• Global materials sourcing and vendor evaluation.
• Technical seminar development and presentations.

Experience

Independent Consultant, Present

Undisclosed Firm, 1984 - 2009

Principal Engineer, Materials

• Materials engineering and product development utilizing a variety of polymeric materials for various telecommunications products such as: cables, connectors and antennas.
• Developed and streamlined materials selection and evaluation processes for use in telecommunications products manufactured in USA and at various global locations.
• Researched and recommended global suppliers of polymeric materials for wire and cable, antenna and other wireless product applications.
• Worked closely with procurement team to facilitate vendor evaluation process and purchasing contracts.
• Developed ultra-low dielectric loss (90% velocity) and ultra-low density light weight foam (25% lighter than standard foam) insulation for coaxial cable applications that resulted in substantial cost savings and significant gain of market share.
• Formulated and developed new adhesive compound for bonding polyethylene to metal substrates which resulted in annual savings in excess of $1 million.
• Researched and evaluated novel and cost effective zero halogen flame retardant formulations for cable jacketing applications, resulting in significant annual cost savings.
• Increased the market share for plenum rated coaxial cables by substitution lower cost, raw materials.
• Responsible for introducing the in-line compounding of carbon black masterbatch with natural polyethylene for cable jacketing applications.
• Researched and evaluated competition closely and performed in-depth analysis on their products plastic dielectric products.
• Formulated and directed research and development projects with external research institutions on: (i) A 25% enhancement in extrusion output by more efficient cooling and (ii) A 20% reduction in material costs for cables by using non-linear finite element modeling.

Senior Research Chemist, 1995 - 2000

• Responsible for new cable designs and novel material applications.
• Designed and developed a patented light weight RF connector using composite materials.
• Established a polymer analysis laboratory for evaluating polymer products and trained laboratory staff on various test methods.
• Designed and developed a patented plenum rated radiating coaxial cable for radio communications.
• Directed research and development projects dealing with the applications of composite materials for antennas.
• Implemented real time weathering studies on cables and cable accessories.

Materials Engineer, 1984 - 1995

• Responsible for the selection and recommendation of plastics for use on wire and cable products.
• Patented industry's first zero halogen and low smoke radiating cable for use as a distributive antenna for radio transmission in confined spaces.
• Solved technical challenges relating to extrusion processing of plastics.
• Assisted fiber optic cable group in the selection of proper materials and processes.

Honors & Publications

Academic and Professional Affiliations

• Senior Member, Society of Plastics Engineers
• Member, American Chemical Society

Professional Development

• Effective Executive Speaking - American Management Association
• Effective Speaking and Human Relations - Dale Carnegie Institute

Recognition and Awards

• U.S. Government Research Fellowship to study the effects of resin components on Guayule Rubber (Natural Rubber).
• U.S. Government Post Doctoral Research Fellowship to study the applications of ion exchange resins for trace element speciation and enrichment.

Publications

• Author of articles for; Society of Plastics Engineers, Journal of Applied Sciences, Wire Journal International, and International Wire and Cable Symposium.
• 6 Patents in the U.S. and Internationally.

Education

• Ph.D. Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, India
• M.S. Polymer Science, University of Akron, Akron, OH
• B.S. Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics as Majors, Andhra University, Waltair, India