Senior Polymer Scientist
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"Chemistry is not just a science — it is the language of the universe, spoken by every atom in existence." — Linus Pauling

Said
El Khezraji

PhD, PMP — Polymers & Composites

Bridging organic chemistry, polymer science, and industrial innovation. Specializing in polymer synthesis, non-isocyanate polyurethanes, thermoset resin formulation, and composite materials — from lab to manufacturing scale. Peer reviewer for Springer Nature.

Organic Chemistry Polymers Composites Formulation Non-Isocyanate PU Materials Science
O N C O H C
7 Publications
95+ Citations
5+ Years Industry
25 Countries Visited
Philosophy

Chemistry is Everything

The universe is written in the language of chemistry. Every breath, every heartbeat, every thought — each is a cascade of molecular events too intricate for any computer to fully simulate.

On the nature of life

From DNA replication to neurochemical signals, every living process is chemistry in motion. The boundary between biology, physics, and chemistry is an illusion — at the molecular level, they are one.

We are made of star stuff. The carbon in our bones, the oxygen we breathe, the iron in our blood — all forged in the nuclear furnaces of dying stars billions of years before our sun was born.

— Carl Sagan, adapted

Chemistry began at the Big Bang and has not stopped since. The periodic table is the universe's alphabet, and molecules are its poetry. We are not just observers of chemistry — we are chemistry observing itself.

In chemistry, there are no waste products — only molecules in the wrong place at the wrong time. Nature recycles everything. This is the philosophy behind non-isocyanate polyurethanes.

On sustainable science

Reimagining polymer chemistry not as an industrial force but as a partner with the natural world. Sustainable chemistry means designing materials that the planet can absorb, reuse, and ultimately give back.

About

Scientist. Innovator. Global Citizen.

Hello, I'm Said — a Senior R&D Scientist with a PhD in Polymers & Composites and deep expertise in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and thermoset resin development. I specialize in transforming complex chemistry into real-world industrial solutions, from formulation design through to manufacturing scale-up.

Currently at DAP Global Inc. in Saint Louis, I lead the development of thermoset and polymer-based formulations for structural and technical applications. My research on non-isocyanate polyurethanes is published in leading peer-reviewed journals and I serve as a peer reviewer for Springer Nature journals in polymer science and materials chemistry.

Beyond the lab, I'm a PMP-certified project leader, a published poet, and an avid traveler who has lived in 5 countries and visited 25. I believe creativity and scientific rigor are not opposites — they are partners in innovation.

Springer Nature Peer Reviewer

Active reviewer for Springer Nature journals in polymer science and materials chemistry — contributing to scientific quality control in the field.

PMP Certified Project Leader

Project Management Professional — leading cross-functional R&D programs from concept through product qualification and manufacturing scale-up.

Innovation Engineering Blue Belt

Certified in systematic innovation methodologies and structured problem-solving frameworks applied to polymer chemistry and materials R&D.

Multilingual & International

Fluent in 4 languages, lived in 5 countries, visited 25 — bringing a genuinely global perspective to science and collaboration.

Literary Pursuits

Published poet with a book available on Amazon — a testament to creative and intellectual life beyond the laboratory.

Expertise

Core Competencies

Organic & Polymer Chemistry

Deep expertise in organic synthesis, curing chemistry, crosslink density, and structure–property relationships across NIPU, epoxy, polyester, and vinyl ester systems.

Thermoset Formulation & Composites

Fiber-reinforced composite systems, nanocomposite development, filler and additive evaluation, and processing optimization for structural applications.

Advanced Characterization

FTIR, NMR, GPC, DSC, TGA, DMA, SEM, and rheology — a comprehensive analytical toolkit for material evaluation and quality control.

DOE & Data-Driven R&D

Minitab-based experimental design, statistical analysis, and data-driven problem solving for systematic formulation development and optimization.

Technology Transfer

Proven ability to bridge laboratory discoveries to manufacturing — from plant trial support to full production scale-up and documentation.

Technical Software

Minitab, OriginPro, ChemDraw, ImageJ, Accolade Sopheon — and co-developed safety software for SPF heat rise estimation.

Experience

Professional Journey

2024 — Present
Senior R&D Scientist
DAP Global Inc. — Saint Louis, MO
  • Lead development and optimization of thermoset and polymer-based formulations for structural and technical applications
  • Design and execute experimental programs on resin reactivity, cure behavior, mechanical performance, and long-term stability
  • Conduct competitive benchmarking and develop testing methodologies to quantify composite performance
  • Support plant trials and facilitate technology transfer from laboratory to production scale
  • Provide technical recommendations to R&D leadership based on analytical data
2022 — 2023
Formulation Chemist / Research Scientist
Smart Materials Ltd. — Malta
  • Developed thermoset and polymer formulations for industrial applications
  • Evaluated fillers, additives, and processing conditions to improve material performance
  • Performed comprehensive polymer characterization using chemical and physical testing methods
  • Directed laboratory activities and ensured timely project completion
2018 — 2022
Doctoral Researcher — Polymers & Composites
Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) — Madrid, Spain
  • Conducted advanced research in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and composite materials
  • Synthesized thermoset polymer systems; investigated curing mechanisms and crosslink density
  • Performed advanced characterization: NMR, FTIR, DSC, TGA, DMA, SEM
  • Supervised graduate students and coordinated experimental workflows
  • Published 5+ peer-reviewed articles in leading polymer science journals
Research

Selected Publications

95+Total Citations
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View on Google Scholar ↗
2025
Next-generation polyurethanes: breakthroughs in synthesis, properties, and applications
Rubber Materials — Chaib, M.; El Khezraji, S. et al.
Journal Article
2024
Self-blowing hybrid non-isocyanate polyurethane foams produced at room temperature
Reactive and Functional Polymers 200, 105924 — Chaib, M.; El Khezraji, S. et al.
Journal Article
2023
Recent progress of non-isocyanate polyurethane foams and their challenges
Polymers 15 (2), 254 — El Khezraji, S. et al.
Review Article
2023
Fast synthesis of crosslinked self-blowing poly(β-hydroxythioether) foams by decarboxylative-alkylation of thiols at room temperature
European Polymer Journal 189, 111960 — El Khezraji, S. et al.
Journal Article
2022
Synthesis of novel non-isocyanate polyurethane / functionalized boron nitride composites
Polymers 14 (19), 3934 — El Khezraji, S. et al.
Journal Article
2021
Use of non-toxic bismuth catalyst for the preparation of flexible polyurethane foam
Polymers 13 (24), 4460 — El Khezraji, S. et al.
Journal Article
Sustainable polyurethanes and advanced polymer materials
Elsevier Book Chapter
Book Chapter
Projects

Key Research Projects

PROJECT 01

Novel Method for Sustainable Isocyanate-Free Polyurethane

Developed innovative NIPU synthesis routes addressing toxicity and sustainability concerns of conventional isocyanate-based systems. Research led to multiple high-impact publications.

PROJECT 02

Development & Improvement of Auxetic Polyurethane Foams

Investigated auxetic PU foam systems with negative Poisson's ratio, exploring novel processing conditions and formulation strategies to achieve and enhance auxetic behavior.

PROJECT 03

NIPU / Functionalized Boron Nitride Nanocomposites

Synthesized hybrid composites combining non-isocyanate polyurethane matrices with functionalized boron nitride fillers to achieve enhanced thermal and mechanical properties.

PROJECT 04

Functionalization of Nafion Membrane for PEMFC

Explored chemical modification strategies for Nafion membranes to improve proton exchange efficiency in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell applications.

PROJECT 05

Peptide-Functionalized Calix[4]arene Systems

Investigated supramolecular chemistry using calix[4]arene scaffolds functionalized with peptide moieties for molecular recognition and sensing applications.

PROJECT 06

SPF Safety Software Co-Development

Co-developed a safety tool to estimate heat rise in one-component spray polyurethane foam systems, enabling safer formulation processes for manufacturers.

Education

Academic Background

PhD in Polymers and Composites
CSIC — Spanish National Research Council
Madrid, Spain · 2018–2022
MSc in Synthesis, Analysis, Modelling & Spectroscopy
University of Lorraine
France
MSc in Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Biopolymers
Cadi Ayyad University
Morocco
Credentials

Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Institute — PMI

Internationally recognized certification demonstrating mastery of project leadership, planning, and execution. Applied to managing R&D programs, cross-functional teams, and laboratory-to-production transitions at scale.

Innovation Engineering Blue Belt

Innovation Engineering Institute

Certified in systematic innovation frameworks — structured ideation, patent strategy, and market-driven problem solving. Applied to sustainable polymer chemistry R&D and product development pipelines.

Languages

Languages Spoken

Arabic
Native
French
Fluent
English
Fluent
Spanish
Professional
Contact

Let's Connect

Open to scientific collaborations, research discussions, and professional opportunities.