Professor, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
Dr. Charoen Nakason is a Professor at the Faculty of Science & Industrial Technology, Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Surat Thani Campus, Thailand. With a deep-rooted expertise in polymer science and natural rubber technology, he has significantly advanced research in polymer rheology and rubber processing. He began his academic journey with a BSc in Chemistry from PSU, followed by an MSc in Polymer Science from Chulalongkorn University, and earned his PhD in Polymer Rheology & Processing from the University of Bradford, UK. Over a career spanning more than three decades, Dr. Nakason has held pivotal academic and administrative roles, including Vice President of PSU Surat Thani Campus. He has published over 230 international articles and received multiple national awards. His commitment to scientific innovation and community service underscores his impact as a researcher, educator, and leader in Thailand’s polymer and rubber technology landscape.
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🎓 Education Background
Dr. Nakason earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1986 from Prince of Songkla University. Driven by a passion for polymers, he pursued a Master of Science in Polymer Science at Chulalongkorn University, graduating in 1991. Eager to contribute to the industrial applications of natural rubber, he then obtained his PhD in Polymer Rheology & Processing from the University of Bradford, England, in 1997. His academic path reflects a focused dedication to understanding the behavior, processing, and application of natural rubber and synthetic polymers. These degrees laid the foundation for his expertise in rubber compounding, grafting reactions, and thermoplastic vulcanizates. The international exposure during his doctoral studies contributed to his global perspective and innovative approach to sustainable rubber technology. Today, Dr. Nakason continues to bridge academic theory and industrial practice through extensive research, collaborations, and mentoring future scientists.
💼 Experience
Dr. Nakason began his academic career in 1991 as a lecturer in Rubber Technology and Polymer Science at PSU’s Pattani Campus. After completing his PhD in England (1993–1997), he resumed teaching and progressed to Assistant Professor by 1999 and Associate Professor by 2002. In 2012, he moved to the Surat Thani Campus and was approved as Full Professor in 2021. Alongside teaching, he held key administrative roles, including Director of the Centre of Excellence in Natural Rubber Technology, Dean of FST, and Vice President of PSU Surat Thani Campus (2012–2022). His leadership extended to national bodies, serving on the Board of Directors of the Rubber Authority of Thailand (2019–2023) and chairing its Research & Innovation Committee. Through these roles, Dr. Nakason has influenced policy, research direction, and innovation in Thailand’s rubber industry, while mentoring early-career researchers and managing large-scale research infrastructure.
🏆 Awards & Honors
Dr. Nakason has been widely recognized for his pioneering work in rubber technology. In 2010, he received two major national honors: the National Outstanding Researcher Award in Physical Sciences and the Thailand Toray Science and Technology Award. His alma mater also acknowledged him with Outstanding Alumni Awards in 2011 and 2012. His early contributions were celebrated with the Outstanding Staff Award (2003) and Outstanding Research Facility Award (2008). His project achievements include TRF awards for creamed latex pond linings (2010) and grafted natural rubber adhesives (2005). In 2017, he was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award from Benjamarachutit School. These accolades reflect both scientific excellence and community impact, underscoring his role as a leader in natural rubber research and application. Dr. Nakason continues to inspire Thailand’s scientific community through sustained innovation, impactful research, and strong academic leadership.
🔬 Research Focus
Dr. Charoen Nakason specializes in polymer science, with a particular emphasis on natural rubber technology. His research focuses on the rheology, processing, and functional modification of natural rubber to enhance its mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties. He is renowned for his work in grafting maleic anhydride onto natural rubber, dynamic vulcanization, and developing thermoplastic vulcanizates with improved performance. His studies explore the blending of natural rubber with synthetic polymers such as polypropylene and PMMA, as well as the use of nanofillers like carbon nanotubes for conductivity enhancement. He also researches sustainable alternatives and renewable fillers to reduce environmental impact. His body of work—over 230 international publications—contributes to global understanding of polymer compatibility, reactive blending, and bio-based composite materials. With over 4,500 citations and an h-index of 37, his work serves as a foundation for both industrial innovation and academic inquiry into advanced rubber materials.
📚Publication Top Notes
Conclusion
The candidate is an outstanding researcher with a proven, sustained, and impactful career in polymer science and natural rubber technology. The breadth of achievements — from high-quality publications to national-level awards, and from academic leadership to industrial application — aligns extremely well with the criteria for a Best Researcher Award.