PhD Researcher · KU Leuven, Belgium

BehradJandaghian

A materials scientist and chemical engineer with an exceptional interdisciplinary foundation spanning chemistry, polymer engineering, and advanced materials. Currently pursuing a PhD in Chemical Engineering at KU Leuven, pushing the boundaries of membrane science and molecular engineering.

Behrad Jandaghian
Overview

Research Profile

Research Interests

Bridging the gap between fundamental science and engineering applications, my research explores the design and fabrication of advanced functional materials. From catalyst development and precision polymerization to membrane engineering and molecular simulation, I pursue multiscale solutions to real-world challenges in separation science, sustainability, and smart materials.

Membrane Science Polymerization Catalysis DFT & MD Simulation Smart Materials Resources Recovery

Computational & Lab Skills

Combining theoretical modelling with experimental expertise to drive materials innovation from atomic scale to industrial application.

Python GROMACS LAMMPS Gaussian Materials Studio Abaqus MATLAB

Contact

Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, Belgium
Academic Background

Education

PhD

PhD in Chemical Engineering

KU Leuven · Leuven, Belgium

Thesis: "Electric-field Assisted Membrane Fabrication"

Supervisor: Dr. Xing Yang

MSc

M.Sc. in Polymer Engineering — Polymer Processing

Amirkabir University of Technology · Tehran, Iran

Thesis: "Synthesis and Characterization of Functionalized Polyolefins Based on Copolymerization of 1-Hexene and Methylstyrene using Post-Metallocene Catalysts"

Supervisor: Dr. Mostafa Ahmadi

BSc

B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering — Polymer Science & Technology

Isfahan University of Technology · Isfahan, Iran

Thesis: "Nanocellulose-Based Composites for Tissue Engineering"

Supervisor: Dr. Tayebeh Behzad

BSc

B.Sc. in Chemistry — Applied Chemistry

Isfahan University of Technology · Isfahan, Iran

Thesis: "Bio-Based Synthesis of Elastomeric Silica-Based Nanocomposites"

Supervisors: Dr. Amir Abdolmaleki & Dr. Hassan Hadadzadeh

Research Output

Peer‑Reviewed Publications

  1. 1

    "A two-faced membrane channel"

    X. Yang, M. H. Jandaghian · Science, 2024, 386(6722), 621–622

  2. 2

    "Splitting for strength: Manipulating polymerization reactor split ratios to control mechanical and rheological properties in bimodal polyethylene resins"

    M. H. Jandaghian et al. · Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2024

  3. 3

    "Correlation of structure, rheological, thermal, mechanical, and optical properties in LDPE/LLDPE blends in the presence of recycled LDPE and LLDPE"

    R. Esmaeilzade, M. H. Jandaghian et al. · Polymer Engineering and Science

  4. 4

    "Clarifying the effects of comonomer distribution between short and long chains on physical and mechanical properties of ethylenic copolymers"

    M. H. Jandaghian et al. · Polymer Engineering and Science, 2024

  5. 5

    "Demystifying the Two-Sided Role of Inorganic Halides in the Structure and Performance of Ziegler-Natta Catalysts"

    M. H. Jandaghian et al. · Molecular Systems Design & Engineering, 2022, 7(12), 1722–1735

  6. 6

    "Chlorination of Mg(OEt)₂ with Halocarbons: a Promising Approach for Eliminating Chlorine-Containing Activators from Ziegler-Nattas' Recipes"

    M. H. Jandaghian et al. · Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 2022, 61(32), 11708–11717

  7. 7

    "Probing into Effects of Support Pre-Treatment on the Polymerization Behavior and Morphology Development of Mg(OEt)₂-Based Ziegler–Natta Catalysts"

    M. H. Jandaghian et al. · Catalysis Letters, 2022

  8. 8

    "Structure–Performance Relationship (SPR) of Ziegler-Natta catalysts (TiCl₄/MgCl₂-based) in Ethylene/1-Butene and Ethylene/1-Hexene Copolymerization"

    M. Masoori, M. H. Jandaghian et al. · Journal of Polymer Research, 2022

  9. 9

    "Statistical Analysis of Parameters Involved in the Synthesis of Polar Copolymers Using a Nickel (II) α-Diimine Complex"

    E. Hosseini, M. H. Jandaghian, Y. Maddah · Journal of Macromolecular Science Part A, 2022

  10. 10

    "Effects of Polymerization Parameters on the Slow Crack Growth Resistance and Rheological Properties of Bimodal Polyethylene Resins"

    M. H. Jandaghian et al. · Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2021

  11. 11

    "Investigation of the effects of heat treatment parameters during synthesis of titanium-magnesium-based Ziegler-Natta catalysts"

    M. H. Jandaghian et al. · Journal of Macromolecular Science Part A, 2021

  12. 12

    "Investigation of the effect of Mg(OEt)₂ manipulation on the ethylene and 1-butene copolymerization performance of Ziegler-Natta catalysts"

    M. H. Jandaghian et al. · Journal of Macromolecular Science Part A, 2021

  13. 13

    "A mechanistic study on the synthesis of branched functional polyethylene through reactive copolymer approach"

    M. H. Jandaghian et al. · Applied Organometallic Chemistry, 2020

  14. 14

    "Performance of polyurea formulations against impact loads: A molecular dynamics and mechanical simulation approach"

    M. H. Jandaghian, H. Kazerooni · Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2020

  15. 15

    "Synthesis and characterization of isotactic poly(1-hexene)/branched polyethylene multiblock copolymer via chain shuttling polymerization technique"

    M. H. Jandaghian et al. · Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research

  16. 16

    "Tuning Tear and Slow Crack Growth Resistance of the LLDPE Resins via Partial Replacement of 1-Butene by 1-Hexene"

    M. H. Jandaghian et al. · Journal of Macromolecular Science, 2023

Intellectual Property

Patents

"New Ziegler-Natta Catalysts Resistant to Fluctuations in the Manufacturing Process"

Patent No. 106738 · Iran, 2022

"A Process for the Production of Olefinic Copolymers for Water and Gas Transportation Pipes"

Patent No. 106530 · Iran, 2022

"A Process to Increase the Conversion Efficiency of Magnesium Alkoxides to Magnesium Halides"

Patent No. 106761 · Iran, 2022

"A Process for Replacing Organohaloaluminiums with Halocarbons in Ziegler-Natta Catalyst Formulations"

Patent No. 104710 · Iran, 2022

"A Process for Injecting α-olefins into Polymerization Reactors"

Patent No. 106397 · Iran, 2022

Recognition

Honors & Awards

🥇

Gold Medal — International Chemistry Olympiad

2015, Bulgaria · International recognition of exceptional mastery in chemistry

🥈

Silver Medal — Iranian Chemistry Olympiad

National competition · 2013 · Top performer among Iran's brightest chemistry students

Recognized as an Exceptional Talent by the National Elites Foundation of Iran

Recognized as an Exemplary Employee in the Iranian Petrochemical Industry, 2021

Winner of the Nano Challenge Competition of Iran for a hybrid nanocomposite film for food packaging

Professional Path

Experience

2018 – 2023

Researcher — Jam Petrochemical Company (JPC)

Led industrial R&D in polymerization chemistry, Ziegler-Natta catalyst design, and polyethylene resin engineering. Delivered multiple patented innovations that advanced the state of the art in catalyst formulation and copolymer production.

2020 – Present

Peer Reviewer

Active reviewer for leading international journals: Nature Chemistry, Macromolecules, Journal of Membrane Science, Chemistry, Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Journal of Macromolecular Science, Journal of Materials Science, Polymer Engineering and Science.

2024 – 2025

Teaching Assistant — KU Leuven

Thermodynamics — Department of Chemical Engineering.

2013

Intern — Aysan Chemistry Company

Applied chemistry internship focused on industrial processes and laboratory techniques.