Charles Berglund, Ph.D.

Professional Titles: Professor, Research Scientist

Education:
B.A. Chemistry, Westminster College, Fulton, MO, 1970
M.S. Chemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, 1972
Ph.D. Physical Chemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, 1975
Postdoctoral Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 1975-76

Email:  Email Charles

Seton Hill College, Greensburg, PA: 1976-1983:

Courses taught:

  • Physical Chemistry with Lab: all semesters
  • General Chemistry with Lab (for science majors): all semesters
  • Introduction to Polymer Science: four semesters as special topics and continuing education class
  • Chemistry for the Consumer (for non-science majors): two semesters
  • Freshman Seminar (a writing/rhetoric course with a theme): four semesters

    Research Experience:  During 1979-1982 (summers only), conducted research with two or three students each summer in the area of polymer rheology, funded by Research Corporation.

The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI: 1983-2006:
My career at Dow, all as a practicing research scientist, was spent mostly in the Corporate R&D function working in the general area of the materials science of polymers. I had the opportunity to work on projects across most of Dow’s polymer businesses, as well as on new material development in Central Research, so worked on quite a variety of materials for a wide breadth of applications. The details below are intended to capture the high points of my background.

Areas of expertise:  Analytical chemistry of polymers (did it for two years, but not a strength); polymer physics (structure, morphology, thermodynamics); materials science of polymers (rheology, fracture mechanics, structure-property relationships, adhesion science).

Classes of materials studied:  Thermoplastics, thermosets, rigid-rod polymers, block copolymers, semicrystalline polymers, synthetic lattices, blends, foam, ionomers.

Representative applications:  Adhesives, coatings, composites, extruded and thermoformed products, high-strength fibers, insulating foam, polymers for electronics.

Other pertinent activities: 
     Taught internal short-courses in Polymer Science, Polymer Rheology, Adhesion Science;
     Worked with/supervised college interns;
     Responsible for Dow supported research programs at Cornell, Virginia Tech, USDA.