Formulating Good Interactions (and Products) in the Polyurethanes Industry

What do sealants, everyday products and a passion for innovating have in common? Polyurethanes. Little did Lin Luo know that his fascination with how materials could interact and the (almost) endless combinations would lead him to become an influential part of the polyurethanes value chain.

As a child, Lin Luo would watch his father lay flooring and tile - sparking his interest in the products that sealed the tile and created durable surfaces. This spark would lead him to pursue a biochemistry degree from Georgia Southern University and a master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University . Now 30 years old, Luo works as a product development chemist for Wanhua Chemical (America) Co., LTD. He is excited about how polyurethanes can help create a more sustainable future and hopes his experiences inspire others who might want to pursue a career in the polyurethanes industry.

Discovering new opportunities

Luo has been at Wanhua for 5 years, but his connection to the company goes back to his college days. While attending the American Coatings Show as a student, he approached the Wanhua table and landed a summer internship with the company, an experience he enjoyed. From this brief interaction at the American Coatings Show expo, he says

“Don’t be afraid to ask for opportunities. I’m glad I did – it led me to where I am now today.”

After completing his master’s degree, Luo aimed to work in the application side of coatings. Most of his peers got jobs in downstream user companies like paint manufacturers, but Luo was interested in working in the upstream sector and wanted the opportunity to pursue different projects.

“I wanted to make something, not just publish papers,” he says. “It gave me a feeling of accomplishment.”

Polyurethanes’ versatility and gaining new knowledge

On polyurethanes, Luo likes their versatility and ability to be used in many everyday products. In his job on the technical side, he’s constantly finding new applications for existing products and educating others on their versatility.

Most polyurethane products are petroleum based, but newer materials used can be bio-based and diverse. Luo emphasizes that polyurethane’s performance actually relies on many different factors interacting together, stating that “You need a good combination of ingredients.”

Now 5 years into his career, Luo has quickly learned that he has an important perspective for contributing to the industry, but it is not the only perspective.

“It’s important to work with and connect with people and customers from different backgrounds,” he says, explaining that his interactions aren’t limited to those also on the technical side. He contends there are many different aspects of the industry – technical experts, business development, logistics, and the customer – and it’s important to understand how to work together.

In fact, Luo has gone to CPI’s Polyurethanes Technical Conference, the longest-running polyurethanes conference in North America, for the past two years, and enjoys the opportunity to interact with other attendees.

“There are a variety of perspectives and people are willing to share their expertise. It’s a friendly community and there’s always something new in polyurethanes you can learn about,” he remarks.?

He presented on high-performance, sustainable waterborne floor two-component (2K) and one component (1K) coating solutions at the 2023 Polyurethanes Technical Conference in San Antonio, Texas. In addition, his paper was published in the February 2024 issue of Paint & Coatings Industry Magazine. He was ecstatic when he learned his work had been published in a key industry magazine.

“I’m thrilled my paper was selected to be published, and this publication can help reach new audiences within the PU space. I’m glad I had the opportunity to present and share my research at CPI’s annual conference,” he says.

Career advice for future polyurethane professionals

Luo recalls a conversation he had with his undergraduate professor and mentor before he started his professional career.

“He said, ‘I know you’re really smart, but I think you need to understand the fundamentals of the product,’” he says. “Knowing all parts of the product helps when problem solving – for example, I might ask why certain ingredients might be interacting in a specific way.”

This knowledge also helps when interacting with stakeholders or customers that have different backgrounds and abilities.

“I’m a formulator. It is important to understand the fundamentals of the product and how materials may interact. Polyurethanes are versatile and contribute to the creation of many everyday products like automotive, electronics, and architecture – and I’m eager to see how polyurethanes can help create a more sustainable future.”

About Lin:

Age: 30

Title:?Product Development Chemist

Company: Wanhua Chemical (America) Co., LTD.

Educational background: ?

·?????? M.S. Polymers and Coatings Technology, Eastern Michigan University

·?????? B.S. Biochemistry, Georgia Southern University