Sunkeun Kim

professional

Sunkeun Kim pursued chemical engineering at Hanyang University, where he completed his master’s degree in 2006, focusing on nanocomposites and microcellular foam production using supercritical CO2. Between 2006 and 2018, He worked in industry, developing new polymer systems and optimizing processing conditions. In 2018 he joined the ETE group at the University of Twente and earned his PhD in 2022. He then returned to industry, where he continues his career, specializing in functionalized polymer for the tire industry at LG Chem.

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Presentation

Functionalized low-Tg S-SBR and BR for high-performance tires

The tire industry is increasingly demanding high-performance materials to enhance low wear characteristics, excellent wet grip and low rolling resistance, driven by the need for improved safety and adherence to environmental regulations. LG Chem focuses on developing new functional solution-styrene-butadiene rubber (S-SBR) and butadiene rubber (BR) to achieve superior tire performance. These innovations not only enhance durability and fuel efficiency but also align with the industry's sustainability goals. This research demonstrates the potential of advanced materials for the tire industry to meet both market and environmental demands.