Markus Grob

Prof. Dr. Markus Grob serves as Professor and Head of the Institute of Polymer Engineering at the School of Engineering and Environment, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW). He concurrently holds roles as Lecturer for Chemistry and Analytics and Group Leader for Chemistry and Analytics, teaching core courses in Chemistry for Mechanical Engineering and Chemistry and Process Engineering for Engineering and Management bachelor's programs.

His academic foundation was established at ETH Zurich:

• 1984-1989: Undergraduate and graduate studies in Chemistry
• 1989-1993: Ph.D. in Materials Science

Grob's research centers on polymer science with specialized focus on plastics additives, polymer degradation mechanisms, and stabilization technologies. His work addresses critical challenges in weathering resistance, high-temperature performance, and composite material development, particularly for aerospace and automotive applications. He investigates structure-property relationships in engineered polymer systems and develops novel additive solutions for enhancing material durability.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals consistent emphasis on stabilizer development for demanding environments, with significant contributions to cyanate ester/polyethersulfone composites for high-temperature resistance and polyolefin pipe stabilization. His work bridges fundamental polymer chemistry with industrial applications across automotive, aerospace, and construction sectors, demonstrating strong translational research impact.

His scientific recognition includes:

• Best paper award at Polyolefins XI conference (1999)

With extensive pre-academic industry experience at DuPont, Ciba Specialty Chemicals, and BASF spanning 21 years in R&D and leadership roles, Grob brings substantial practical expertise to his academic work. He currently leads the Chemistry and Analytics research group, which focuses on polymer characterization, additive development, and degradation studies through industry-collaborative projects.

Under his leadership, the Institute of Polymer Engineering operates advanced laboratories for polymer processing, characterization, and weathering testing, providing critical R&D services to industrial partners while training next-generation engineers in applied polymer science.