Nikola Kocic, PhD

POLYMER PERFORMANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY SPECIALIST - Material Innovation | Environmental Profiling | Market-Ready Solutions

About

Chemical Engineer with a PhD and extensive international experience in thermoplastic materials and polymer science. Translate complex application requirements into clear objectives, supporting the full development cycle — from raw material selection and formulation design to process optimization, scale-up and validation. Deliver high-performance, commercially viable materials with measurable sustainability gains and accelerated market entry. Transform complex topics into clear communication through workshops, presentations, and stakeholder engagement. Organized, systematic and results-oriented professional with a proven ability to deliver high-value solutions efficiently and effectively in complex, cross-functional environments.

Publications

Nucleation parameter and size distribution of critical nuclei for nonisothermal polymer crystallization: The influence of the cooling rate and filler

Journal of Applied Polymer Science

2014

Lenses for terahertz applications: Development of new materials and production processes

AIP Conference Proceedings

2014

Terahertz plastic compound lenses

Applied Optics

2013

The influence of talc as a nucleation agent on the nonisothermal crystallization and morphology of isotactic polypropylene: The application of the Lauritzen–Hoffmann, Avrami, and Ozawa theories

Journal of Applied Polymer Science

2012

Education

Julius-Maximilians-University Wuerzburg Germany

PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Crystallization / June, 2015

Wuerzburg

University of Belgrade Serbia

Dipl.-Ing. in Organic Chemical Technology and Polymer Science, Polymer chemistry and engineering / September, 2005

Belgrade

Experience

SELF-EMPLOYED

INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT - POLYMER PERFORMANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY / July, 2025 — Present

Independent practice in material development, sustainability and knowledge transfer Partnering with start-ups, SMEs, manufacturers, and public stakeholders to turn polymer science into competitive advantage. Translate sustainability and policy goals into measurable outcomes — by engineering smarter materials, embedding life cycle thinking into product strategy, and enabling teams to communicate complex topics with clarity and impact.

LUBRIZOL ADVANCED MATERIALS

SENIOR SCIENTIST IN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT / July, 2018 — July, 2025

Developed sustainable TPU formulations with LCA validation and led the synthesis team, driving innovation and reliable delivery. Coordinated with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders to align new technologies with business goals. Delivered clear reports and presentations to support strategic decisions. Led research resulting in a novel family of bio-based TPU with a 40% lower carbon footprint and superior shape-memory behavior, leading to a patent application (WO 2024059166 A1). Implemented SimaPro for ISO-compliant LCA, completing 120+ analyses since 2020, quantifying reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of novel TPU formulations. Led the Self-Driving Lab innovation project to automate synthesis of TPU, reducing total project time by 25% while improving safety, reliability, and efficiency. Developed and implemented procedures to effectively manage R&D lab operations.

GERMAN PLASTIC CENTRE SKZ KFE GGMBH

SCIENTIFIC EMPLOYEE IN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT / October, 2007 — June, 2018

Collaborated with universities, research centers, and industry partners to develop advanced thermoplastic materials within bilateral and publicly funded projects, delivering tailored solutions that met client requirements and achieved technical performance targets and business objectives. Generated up to 50% of annual departmental profit (2010-2018) by leading bilateral projects with clients including Merck, Lanxess, Bayer, Oxea, and Kautex, focusing on PVC and biopolymers. Pioneered bio-based alternatives to soft PVC, achieving excellent processability, a 50°C lower molding temperature, and comparable mechanical properties to PVC (Project No. 11NR240). Developed strategies to reduce hydrolytic degradation of PLA during long-term storage (Project No. 22017911). Developed advanced polymer compounds for THz lenses, achieving higher refractive indices and improved image quality (Project No. 345ZN).

DUGA A.G. BELGRADE Serbia

RESEARCH ENGINEER / June, 2006 — August, 2007

Formulation, manufacturing, and distribution of paints and coatings.

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