Prof Kun Liu | Hunan institute of sicence and technology| China
Prof. Kun Liu 🎓 is a distinguished expert in polymer chemistry 🧪 based in Yueyang, Hunan, China 🇨🇳. With a strong foundation in living anionic polymerization (LAP) and sequence-controlled polymerization, he focuses on designing advanced resins and elastomers 🔬. His innovative research includes functionalized rubber and high-vinyl resins, pushing boundaries in materials science 🌱. A dedicated academic and administrator 📚, Prof. Liu actively leads multiple initiatives at the Hunan Institute of Science and Technology 🏫, combining fundamental research with industrial application. His contributions are shaping the future of functional polymers and sustainable materials ⚗️.
Professional Profile
SCOPUS
Education & Experience
Prof. Kun Liu holds a Ph.D. 🎓 (2016) and M.Sc. 🧑🔬 (2011) in Chemical Engineering & Technology from Hunan University, and a B.Sc. in Chemistry 🧪 (2008) from Northeast Petroleum University. Since 2016, he has served at the Hunan Institute of Science and Technology 🏫, and as Director of the Institute of Polymer Materials Synthesis (2018–2023) 🏢. He also completed a postdoc at Sinopec Hunan Petrochemical/Xiangtan University (2019–2023) 🔍. With over a decade of combined academic and industrial experience, Prof. Liu leads collaborative innovation in polymer engineering in both research and application domains ⚙️.
Professional Development
Prof. Liu has made remarkable strides in advancing polymer research and industrial application 🔬. As a leader in living polymerization and functional materials, he heads collaborative projects with Sinopec and local industries 🏭. He played a central role in establishing the Collaborative Innovation Center for Petrochemical Industry (2016–Present) and directed the Institute of Polymer Materials Synthesis (2018–2023) 🧪. Recognized as an Outstanding Engineer in Hunan Province (2020–Present) 🏅, his efforts bridge academia and industry to foster innovation in petrochemical materials 🌍. Prof. Liu’s career highlights the synergy of scientific inquiry and applied chemical engineering 🧠⚗️.
Research Focus
Prof. Kun Liu’s research emphasizes polymer synthesis and functionalization 🔬. His core interests include living anionic polymerization (LAP), sequence-controlled polymerization 🧩, and designing advanced elastomers and resins 🌡️. He specializes in synthesizing 1,3-diene polymers for high-performance rubbers and plastics 🧱, and in functionalizing polyolefins through in situ and post-modification techniques 🧪. With applications ranging from automotive to electronics 🚗🔌, his work aims to create materials with precise molecular architecture, enhanced durability, and environmental adaptability 🌿. Prof. Liu’s research seamlessly integrates chemistry, materials science, and industrial application ⚙️📘.
Awards & Honors
Prof. Kun Liu has been recognized as an Outstanding Engineer in the Petrochemical Industry of Hunan Province (2020–Present) 🏅 for his leadership and technical excellence 🌟. His impactful research in polymer chemistry and collaboration with Sinopec have earned acclaim in both academic and industrial sectors 🧪. He is frequently invited to contribute to scientific forums, symposia, and journal editorial boards 🧠📚. As Director of the Polymer Materials Institute (2018–2023) and through his postdoctoral contributions (2019–2023), Prof. Liu has received numerous commendations for innovation, knowledge transfer, and education excellence 🏫🥇.
Publication Top Notes
1. Facile Synthesis of Tertiary Amine Functionalized Liquid Polyisoprene Rubber by LAP with 1,2-Dipiperidinoethane Derivatives as Modifier
Title:
Facile Synthesis of Tertiary Amine Functionalized Liquid Polyisoprene Rubber by LAP with 1,2-Dipiperidinoethane Derivatives as Modifier
Citation:
Liu, K., Dai, Q., Xiao, Y., Han, X., Wang, Y., Long, Y., Chen, Z., Yi, W., Gu, X., & Li, L. (2025). Facile synthesis of tertiary amine functionalized liquid polyisoprene rubber by LAP with 1,2-Dipiperidinoethane derivatives as modifier. European Polymer Journal, 2025.
Summary:
This study introduces a living anionic polymerization (LAP) method for synthesizing tertiary amine-functionalized liquid polyisoprene rubber using 1,2-dipiperidinoethane (DPDE) as a polar modifier. The functionalized rubber exhibits narrow molecular weight distribution, precise end-group control, and excellent chemical reactivity, making it suitable for industrial applications such as adhesives, coatings, and impact modifiers. The research demonstrates how chain-end functionality can be finely tuned for custom applications, opening pathways for the next generation of smart elastomers.
2. Facile Synthesis of Functionalized High Vinyl Polybutadiene by Using 1,2-Dipiperidinoethane Derivatives as Polar Modifiers
Title:
Facile Synthesis of Functionalized High Vinyl Polybutadiene by Using 1,2-Dipiperidinoethane Derivatives as Polar Modifiers
Citation:
Liu, K., [Co-authors]. (2025). Facile synthesis of functionalized high vinyl polybutadiene by using 1,2-dipiperidinoethane derivatives as polar modifiers. Polymer Chemistry, 2025.
Summary:
In this work, Prof. Liu and his team develop a novel functionalized high vinyl polybutadiene (HVPB) by introducing DPDE-based polar modifiers during LAP. The resulting polymers show increased vinyl content, enhanced elasticity, and chemical versatility, making them ideal for high-performance applications such as tires, dynamic seals, and damping materials. The study demonstrates how adjusting polar modifier concentrations allows for precise microstructure control, thus enabling targeted polymer property enhancement for energy absorption and mechanical flexibility.
3. Anionic Terpolymerization of 1,3-Pentadiene, Para-Methyl Styrene and Para-Tert-Butylstyrene to Produce Alternating-Random Sequence Copolymer with Tunable Composition
Title:
Anionic Terpolymerization of 1,3-Pentadiene, Para-Methyl Styrene and Para-Tert-Butylstyrene to Produce Alternating-Random Sequence Copolymer with Tunable Composition
Citation:
Liu, K., [Co-authors]. (2025). Anionic terpolymerization of 1,3-pentadiene, para-methyl styrene and para-tert-butylstyrene to produce alternating-random sequence copolymer with tunable composition. European Polymer Journal, 2025.
Summary:
This article explores the anionic terpolymerization of three monomers to form a new type of alternating-random copolymer with a controllable sequence structure. Through variation of the monomer feed ratio and polymerization parameters, the study achieves polymers with customizable thermal and mechanical properties, such as tunable glass transition temperatures and enhanced solubility. These materials have potential applications in functional coatings, membranes, and electronic packaging, where sequence design is critical for material behavior under diverse conditions.
Conclusion:
Prof. Kun Liu is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His innovative approaches, deep scientific insight, and industrial relevance position him as a leading contributor in polymer science. His research not only advances theoretical knowledge but also solves real-world material challenges, making his profile ideal for prestigious recognition in scientific excellence.