Introduction
David J. Baker Jr. (born September 12, 1965, in Charleston, West Virginia) is an American materials scientist, educator, and entrepreneur. He is recognized for pioneering work on polymer nanocomposites and for founding EcoPoly Industries, a company that develops biodegradable plastic solutions for industrial applications. Baker's career bridges academic research, corporate leadership, and public outreach, and he has contributed extensively to scientific literature, patents, and policy discussions related to sustainable materials.
Early Life and Education
Baker was raised in a working‑class family that emphasized the importance of education and community service. His parents, both schoolteachers, encouraged him to pursue curiosity in science. During high school, Baker participated in the science fair program at Charleston High School, where he presented a project on the mechanical properties of recycled paper fibers. The project received local recognition and helped secure a scholarship for his undergraduate studies.
He enrolled at the University of Illinois at Urbana‑Champaign, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1987. While completing his degree, Baker was an active member of the student chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and served as the project manager for a senior design team that developed a small‑scale water purification system. His undergraduate thesis focused on the kinetics of polymer chain scission under high‑temperature conditions, a topic that foreshadowed his future research interests.
Undergraduate Studies
Baker’s undergraduate coursework covered advanced thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and polymer science. He graduated summa cum laude and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. During his junior year, he worked as a research assistant in the university’s Center for Advanced Polymers, where he gained hands‑on experience with melt extrusion and rheology measurements. This early exposure to experimental techniques strengthened his analytical skills and fostered a lasting interest in materials development.
Graduate Studies
After completing his bachelor's degree, Baker pursued a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. His doctoral advisor, Professor Laura M. Chen, was renowned for work on nanocomposite mechanics. Baker's dissertation, titled "Structural Reinforcement of Polymeric Matrices via Nanofiller Alignment," examined the effects of nanoparticle orientation on tensile strength and fatigue resistance. He employed electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and dynamic mechanical analysis to quantify the interfacial interactions between polymer chains and inorganic fillers such as graphene oxide and titania.
His dissertation research led to several high‑impact publications and earned him the Berkeley Graduate Student Award for Outstanding Research in 1993. Upon graduation, Baker was awarded a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship, which he accepted at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Postdoctoral Research
During his postdoctoral tenure at NIST, Baker worked in the Materials Engineering Laboratory under Dr. R. N. Patel. He focused on scaling up the synthesis of polymer nanocomposites for aerospace applications, studying the impact of high‑pressure extrusion on filler dispersion. This work resulted in a patent on a novel extrusion technique and several collaborative papers with aerospace manufacturers. The postdoctoral experience sharpened Baker’s project management abilities and introduced him to the interface between fundamental research and industrial application.
Academic Career
In 1997, Baker accepted a faculty position at the University of Michigan, where he served as an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science. Over the next decade, he built a research group that combined computational modeling with experimental validation to study polymer composites under mechanical and thermal loads. His group pioneered a multi‑scale modeling framework that linked molecular dynamics simulations to continuum mechanics predictions, providing a comprehensive understanding of failure mechanisms in reinforced polymers.
Baker's teaching portfolio included courses on Polymer Physics, Composite Materials, and Advanced Mechanical Testing. He mentored 23 graduate students and 12 undergraduate researchers, many of whom progressed to successful careers in academia and industry. He was also active in curriculum development, leading the redesign of the undergraduate materials science program to incorporate sustainability principles and interdisciplinary project work.
Research Contributions
Baker's research portfolio spans several interrelated themes, each addressing critical challenges in modern materials science. His work has consistently emphasized the practical implications of scientific discoveries, aiming to bridge gaps between laboratory results and real‑world applications.
Polymer Nanocomposites
Baker first investigated how nanometer‑scale fillers could enhance mechanical performance of polymers. By systematically varying filler type, concentration, and alignment, he identified optimal loading levels that maximized tensile modulus while preserving toughness. His 2002 study on graphene‑reinforced polypropylene demonstrated a 45% increase in modulus with only 0.5% weight fraction, a finding that attracted attention from automotive and aerospace manufacturers.
In subsequent projects, Baker explored the synergistic effects of hybrid fillers, combining carbon nanotubes with silica nanoparticles to create hierarchical reinforcement structures. He reported that such hybrid systems exhibited superior wear resistance and reduced heat distortion, making them attractive for high‑temperature engine components.
Biodegradable Plastics
Recognizing the environmental impact of conventional plastics, Baker shifted focus toward biodegradable alternatives in the early 2010s. He investigated poly(lactic acid) (PLA) blends with bio‑derived fillers such as cellulose nanocrystals, finding that such blends exhibited enhanced barrier properties and mechanical strength suitable for packaging applications.
His team developed a scalable process for incorporating lignin into PLA matrices, achieving a reduction in carbon footprint and cost. The resulting lignin‑filled PLA composite was adopted by a leading food‑service company for producing disposable cutlery, marking a significant milestone in commercializing sustainable polymers.
Energy Storage Materials
In collaboration with the University of Texas at Austin, Baker applied polymer nanocomposite concepts to the design of solid‑state electrolytes for lithium‑ion batteries. By embedding ceramic nanoparticles into a polyethylene oxide matrix, he created a flexible electrolyte with ionic conductivity exceeding 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at room temperature. The electrolytes demonstrated stable cycling performance in prototype pouch cells, opening pathways toward safer, solid‑state energy storage solutions.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
While maintaining a robust academic schedule, Baker identified the commercial potential of his research on biodegradable composites. In 2014, he co‑founded EcoPoly Industries with two former graduate students, aiming to bring laboratory breakthroughs to market.
Co-founder of EcoPoly Industries
EcoPoly Industries was established as a Delaware corporation focused on the development of high‑performance, biodegradable polymer blends for packaging, construction, and automotive sectors. Baker served as chief scientific officer and later as CEO, steering the company’s strategic direction and overseeing product development, manufacturing, and quality assurance.
EcoPoly secured initial venture capital from GreenTech Ventures, and in 2016, the company announced a partnership with a multinational packaging firm to supply biodegradable film for grocery stores. This collaboration validated the commercial viability of EcoPoly’s core technology and led to increased investment from institutional stakeholders.
EcoPoly’s Product Lines
The flagship product, EcoBlend 100, is a bio‑based poly(lactic acid) composite reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals. It achieves a tensile modulus of 3.5 GPa and a tear strength exceeding 800 N m⁻¹, positioning it as a viable alternative to conventional polyethylene. EcoPoly also offers EcoFlex, a flexible composite for automotive interiors, and EcoShield, a high‑temperature resistant panel for construction applications.
EcoPoly’s manufacturing facility, located in the Midwest, operates under ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards, emphasizing quality and environmental responsibility. The company has received multiple sustainability awards, including the Green Business Award in 2019 and the Circular Economy Innovation Award in 2021.
Awards and Honors
Baker’s contributions have been recognized by several professional societies and academic institutions. In 2005, he received the American Ceramic Society’s Early Career Award for his work on nanocomposite reinforcement. In 2010, the American Association of Engineering Societies honored him with the Distinguished Researcher Award.
In 2015, he was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for advancing the field of sustainable polymer science. The University of Michigan awarded him the Distinguished Faculty Award in 2018, citing his excellence in research, teaching, and service. In 2020, Baker received the National Academy of Engineering’s Energy Innovation Award for his contributions to solid‑state battery electrolytes.
Publications and Patents
David J. Baker Jr. has authored over 180 peer‑reviewed journal articles, 12 book chapters, and 25 invited conference papers. His most cited work, “Nanofiller Alignment in Polymer Matrices,” has accumulated more than 1,200 citations and is frequently referenced in polymer mechanics literature.
Key Publications
- Baker, D.J., Chen, L.M. (1995). "Nanofiller Alignment in Polymer Matrices." Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 70(4), 1123-1135.
- Baker, D.J., Patel, R.N. (2001). "High‑Pressure Extrusion Techniques for Nanocomposites." Materials Research Letters, 5(2), 145-152.
- Baker, D.J., et al. (2012). "Lignin‑filled PLA: A Sustainable Packaging Solution." Green Chemistry, 14(6), 2009-2017.
- Baker, D.J., Garcia, S. (2015). "Ceramic Nanoparticles in Solid‑State Lithium‑Ion Electrolytes." Journal of Electrochemical Energy Conversion, 9(3), 310-318.
Patents
Baker holds 15 U.S. patents related to polymer processing and composite materials. Notable patents include:
- U.S. Patent No. 8,123,456: "Method for Aligning Nanofillers in Melt‑Extruded Polymers," granted 2003.
- U.S. Patent No. 9,876,543: "Biodegradable Composite Material with Enhanced Barrier Properties," granted 2010.
- U.S. Patent No. 10,112,789: "Solid‑State Electrolyte Composites for Lithium‑Ion Batteries," granted 2018.
Professional Service
Baker has served on editorial boards, chaired scientific conferences, and participated in governmental advisory panels on materials sustainability.
Editorial Boards
He has been a member of the editorial board for Materials Today and Polymer Degradation and Stability since 2008. As an associate editor for Advanced Materials (2014–2019), he oversaw peer review for over 300 manuscripts, ensuring rigorous evaluation standards.
Professional Societies
Baker holds leadership roles in several societies:
- President, American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AICHE), 2012–2013.
- Chair, Society for the Advancement of Materials Research (SAMR), 2016–2017.
- Member, National Academy of Engineering Advisory Committee on Materials Science, 2019–present.
Personal Life
Outside his professional endeavors, Baker is married to Dr. Emily K. Chen, a computational biologist. Together they have two children and reside in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is an avid cyclist and volunteers with the local STEM outreach program, mentoring high‑school students in robotics competitions. Baker also serves on the board of a non‑profit organization dedicated to improving water quality in Appalachia, reflecting his ongoing commitment to community service.
Legacy and Impact
David J. Baker Jr.’s work has had a lasting influence on materials science and industrial practice. His pioneering research on polymer nanocomposites set new standards for mechanical performance, while his dedication to sustainability has accelerated the adoption of biodegradable polymers in commerce. The technologies developed at EcoPoly Industries continue to reduce environmental footprints across multiple sectors.
Baker’s interdisciplinary approach - combining experimental science, computational modeling, and entrepreneurial insight - serves as a model for translating research into tangible benefits. His mentorship has produced a generation of scientists and engineers who carry forward his emphasis on responsible innovation. Through his service to professional societies and public policy, Baker has helped shape national conversations about materials sustainability and energy storage.
Future research building on Baker’s foundational discoveries will likely focus on integrating bio‑derived nanomaterials with next‑generation energy technologies, further bridging the gap between ecological stewardship and technological advancement.
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