Tao Xu, Ph.D.

Dr. Xu specializes in polymer characterization and analysis, thermo-mechanical properties of thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers, process-structure-property relationship of polymers, fiber-reinforced composites, and materials compatibility. His past experience has involved high performance polymer fibers, polymeric composites, morphology and structure, polymer films and coatings, woven and nonwoven fabrics, rheology and viscoelasticity, polymer processing, polymer-solution interaction, drug-excipient interaction, materials selection and qualification, and root cause investigation. Dr. Xu has extensive experience and knowledge in a broad range of analytical techniques for characterization of polymers, including thermal analysis [Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA)], mechanical testing [tension, compression, flexure, shear, tear, peel, impact, creep, stress relaxation], rheological testing [Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), rheometer], structure and morphology characterization [Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction , birefringence], and surface characterization [X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS), contact angle].

Prior to joining Exponent, Dr. Xu was a Research Scientist at Eli Lilly & Company, where he led the research efforts in materials compatibility related to polymers that are used in pharmaceutical formulation, packaging materials, container closure systems, medical delivery devices, and manufacturing equipment.

Xu T, Farris RJ. Comparative studies of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene fiber reinforced composites. Polymer Engineering and Science 2007; 47(10):1544–1553.

Xu T, Farris RJ. Stresses associated with diffusion in Kapton® and Polyacrylics films. Journal of Applied Polymer Science 2006; 99(5):2661–2670.

Xu T, Farris RJ. Matrix free ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber-reinforced composites: Process, structure, properties and applications. ACS Book Series: New Polymeric Materials, Chapter 28, pp. 391–405, 2005.

Xu T, Farris RJ. Shapeable matrix-free Spectra® fiber-reinforced polymeric composites via high-temperature high-pressure sintering: Process-structure-property relationship. Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics 2005; 43:2767–2789.

Xu T, Farris RJ. Optimizing the impact resistance of matrix-free Spectra® Fiber-reinforced composites. Composite Materials 2005; 39(13):1203–1220.

Xu T, Farris RJ. Making matrix-free Spectra® fiber reinforced composites. Proceeding, Society of Plastics Engineers Annual Technical Conference, pp. 2156–2160, 2003.

Xu T, Farris RJ. Matrix-free spectra® fiber reinforced polymeric composites via high-temperature high-pressure sintering. The American Chemical Society National Meeting PMSE Preprint, Vol. 89, p. 420, 2003.

Xu T, Farris RJ. Matrix free fiber reinforced polymeric composites via high-temperature high-pressure sintering. The United States Army Technical Report.

Book Chapters

Xu T, Farris RJ. Matrix free ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber-reinforced composites: Process, structure, properties and applications. ACS Book Series: New Polymeric Materials, Chapter 28, 2005.

Presentations and Published Abstracts

Xu T. Structure-property investigation on the irradiation of polypropylene packaging material. 7th Annual Indiana Local Section American Chemical Society Poster Session, Richmond, IN, October 10, 2006.

Xu T. Matrix-free Spectra® fiber reinforced polymeric composites via high-temperature high-pressure sintering. The American Chemical Society National Meeting, New York, NY, September 7–11, 2003.

Xu T. Making matrix-free Spectra® fiber reinforced composites. The Society of Plastics Engineers Annual Technical Conference, Nashville, TN, May 4–8, 2003.

Xu T. Making matrix-free Spectra® fiber reinforced composites. The Fiber Society Annual Technical Conference, Natick, MA, October 16–18, 2002.

Xu T. High strength, high impact resistant matrix free polymeric composites by hot compaction. Gordon Research Conference, Ventura, CA, January 6–11, 2002.

Xu T. High strength, high impact resistant matrix free polymeric composites by hot compaction. CUMIRP and MRSEC Meeting, Amherst, MA, October 2001.

Xu T. Stresses associated with diffusion in Kapton® Type E films and photo-imagible IJ series film. CUMIRP and MRSEC Meeting, Amherst, MA, October 2000.

• Research Scientist, Eli Lilly and Company, 2004–2007
• Research Assistant, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, 1998–2004
  

• American Chemical Society—ACS
• Society of Plastics Engineers—SPE