Aakarsh Lodhi

Research Executive – R&D (PATS: Product Application and Testing Services)

• New Product Development (NPD): Designed and developed ADC (Azodicarbonamide)-based chemical blowing agent formulations for XLPE, footwear, PS profiles, and PVC profile applications.
• Masterbatch Innovation: Formulated ADC and OBSH-based masterbatches with enhanced scorch safety, targeted dispersion (>80%), and customized Mooney viscosity to meet customer-specific processing requirements.
• Compound Formulation: Engineered thermoplastic(EVA,LPDE,PVC) and elastomeric (EPDM, NR, SBR) compounds for low and high-temperature foaming using tailored CBA systems as per performance and processing demands.
• Conducted competitive benchmarking of market samples; analyzed chemical (Insoluble Content, Dt, Ash, Gas Content, Viscosity) and analytical test (TGA,DSC,FTIR,ODR) data for formulation optimization.
• Product scale from lab to pilot batch scale-up.
• Process Automation: Developed Excel-based visual tools for technical data handling, COA automation, and custom calculators to streamline documentation and reporting.
• Customer Technical Support: Provided on-site and remote troubleshooting for customer-specific processing and formulation challenges.
• Quality & Compliances

Project Trainee – R&D, Apollo Tyres Ltd., Chennai.

• Executed master’s thesis on “Modification and Characterization of Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) as a Sustainable Filler in Tire Tread Compounds.”
• Formulated and evaluated tread compounds for PCR and TBR applications, assessing performance with MCC as a bio-based reinforcement.
• Conducted material and compound characterization using TGA, FTIR, DMA, UTM, MDR, and Mooney Viscometer.
• Analyzed viscoelastic, thermal, and mechanical behavior to optimize filler dispersion and improve tread compound properties.