Nikolay Semenov

• Developed biobased and fiber-filled polymer formulations for rigid food-contact packaging • Scaled materials from lab compounding to pilot and industrial extrusion/injection molding • Stabilized processing of moisture-sensitive biopolymer during industrial trials • Improved shelf life of fresh produce packaging (+9d berries, +7d mushrooms) • Solved tooling, melt quality, and production defect issues during scale-up • Prepared technical documentation, specifications, and compliance support for EU FCM

• Led applied R&D projects in polymer physics, rheology, and composite materials • Developed filled polymer systems and functional composites for industrial applications • Performed advanced characterization: rheology, DSC, DMA, FTIR, Raman, AFM, SEM • Investigated filler dispersion, reinforcement mechanisms, and structure–property relationships • Designed experiments and translated results into processing/formulation decisions • Published peer-reviewed research and supervised graduate students

• Developed fully plant-based biodegradable composites for disposable packaging • Led material formulation, prototyping, and pilot validation activities • Optimized processability, mechanical performance, and degradation behavior • Delivered MVP products for cups and tableware applications • Coordinated transition from concept to pilot manufacturing

• Supported SMEs in compounding, extrusion, and injection molding start-up projects • Developed custom formulations for WPC, recycled PVC, elastomers, and silicone systems • Solved production instability, variability, and quality issues • Implemented QC workflows and raw material qualification procedures • Helped launch and stabilize early-stage manufacturing operations

Thesis: Rheology and mechanics of electrically controlled polyimide-based nanosuspensions

Thesis: Study of reinforcing activity of nanofillers of different nature according to the data of physical-mechanical and dynamic tests