Dr. Alan Mercer

Polymer Chemist, PhD Caltech

About Dr. Mercer

Dr. Alan Mercer is a Polymer Chemist who earned his PhD from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) with a focus on thermosetting polymer systems and cure kinetics. He brings 12 years of hands-on resin formulation experience, spanning industrial coatings, structural adhesives, and decorative epoxy systems.

His research has centered on the precise volumetric and gravimetric relationships in two-part epoxy systems — how slight deviations from manufacturer-specified mix ratios can cascade into incomplete cures, brittle matrices, or dangerous exothermic runaway reactions. This expertise directly informs every mix ratio and safety warning published on Epoxy Calc Hub.

Credentials & Expertise

• PhD, California Institute of Technology — Thermosetting polymer systems and cure kinetics
• 12 years of epoxy and resin formulation experience
• Published researcher in polymer chemistry and composite materials
• Expert in mix ratio optimization — volume vs. weight conversion accuracy
• Specialist in exothermic reaction safety and maximum pour depth calculations
• Former senior formulation chemist at a top 5 US coatings manufacturer
• Consultant for art resin and deep-pour epoxy product development

Role at Epoxy Calc Hub

Dr. Mercer serves as the lead technical editor and subject-matter expert for Epoxy Calc Hub. He verifies all mix ratio data against manufacturer technical data sheets, validates exothermic safety thresholds based on empirical testing, and ensures that weight-to-volume conversions are accurate for each product formulation. His oversight guarantees that every calculator output is chemically precise and safety-compliant.