Darren Baker
Manager, Materials Scientist/Engineer
- Role
- Technical Manager, Fiber Scientist & Chemist at Pulcra Chemicals Group
- Location
- Kingston, TN, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Darren Baker
I am a Scientist/Engineer at the forefront of lignin polymer research, development and commercial application. I consult towards effective strategies for the directed recovery of high purity refined lignin polymers to produce techno-economically attractive high-value materials. My emphasis is towards simplicity, function, increased sustainability and profitability.Two activities in which I have most experience are lignin-based carbon fibers (LCF) and carbon nanofibers (LCNF). The former (LCF) produced much reduced cost carbon fiber with as low as 6 micron diameter, and with tensile properties previously unknown for lignin (2.3 GPa / 245 GPa), while the latter (LCNF) have been produced rapidly at the commercial pilot scale and could be used advantageously in a multitude of high-value applications such as for energy storage; lithium and non-lithium. Reduced GWP and cost projections support the work.Owing to the complexities and depth of knowledge required for LCF and LCNF, additional and much less demanding product development areas have been towards lignins for use in resins, polymer compounds, agricultural fabrics and other materials. Particularly in technical textiles (agricultural, for example) where bonded lignin non-wovens could be used to provide controlled biodegradability with reduced GWP. Odor elimination has long been a target.I provide fee-based consulting to companies, institutes, and academies throughout the world in the lignin field concerning preparation, analytical, extrusion/processing, and conversion to a wide variety of products. These services also include interpretation of publications, patents and press releases regarding biomass refining techniques, lignin preparation/production/refining, lignin analysis and properties, and conversion.
Experience
Technical Manager, Fiber Scientist & Chemist
Nov 2022 — Present · Rock Hill, SC, US
Incredible work here, great environment to be in, wonderful people!
Education
University of Leeds
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Materials Sciences & Engineering - Crosslinking of synthetic fibres using disulphonyl azides
University of Leeds
Bachelor's Degree, Chemistry
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