Dr. Hong Seung Mo | Polymer chemistry | Best Researcher Award
SHINA T&C, R&D center, South Korea
Dr. Seung-Mo Hong is a highly experienced and innovative R&D professional in the field of polymer engineering, with a dynamic career spanning over two decades. Based in Incheon, South Korea, he holds a Ph.D. in Polymer Engineering from Dankook University, where he explored multifunctional thiol hardeners and their thiol-epoxy curing behavior. He also earned his M.S. and B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Soongsil University. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Hong has led groundbreaking research and product development in UV-curable polymers, optical materials, and quantum dot technologies. He has worked with leading organizations like Shin-A T&C, SKC Co., Ltd., and Dongwoo Fine-Chem, spearheading innovations in display materials and adhesives. With over 108 patents and impactful publications, Dr. Hong continues to contribute to advanced material science. His expertise in synthesis, commercialization, and product innovation makes him a driving force in next-generation polymer technologies.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Seung-Mo Hong earned his Ph.D. in Polymer Engineering from Dankook University (2021–2023), where he focused on multifunctional thiol hardeners and thiol-epoxy curing behaviors, graduating with a GPA of 4.37/4.50. Prior to this, he completed his M.S. in Chemical Engineering at Soongsil University (1999–2001) with a thesis on photosensitive polyimides and a GPA of 3.63/4.00. His foundational education was in Chemical Engineering, also at Soongsil University, where he completed his B.S. between 1995 and 1999. Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Hong developed a strong foundation in polymer chemistry, synthesis techniques, and structure-property relationships. His advanced studies focused on both industrial and functional polymers, aligning academic research with practical applications in optical materials and coatings. The rigor and depth of his academic training have equipped him to lead innovation across various industrial R&D platforms and contribute extensively to peer-reviewed scientific literature.
Experience
Dr. Hong has amassed over 20 years of experience across top-tier R&D institutions and companies. Since 2018, he has led R&D at Shin-A T&C, spearheading innovations in polythiol synthesis, UV inks, and quantum dot optical films. At SKC (2015–2018), he developed multifunctional thiols and high-refractive-index resins for optical lenses. Earlier, he held a pivotal role at Dongwoo Fine-Chem (2006–2015), leading the development of hard coatings, flexible films for OLED, and photosensitive oligomers. His international experience includes a research assignment at Sumitomo Chemical in Japan, where he focused on anti-static and anti-fouling coatings. Beginning his career at SSCP (AkzoNobel) and LG Electronics, Dr. Hong specialized in urethane acrylates and BLU prism sheets. His career reflects deep expertise in polymer synthesis, process scale-up, and product commercialization across diverse applications such as displays, adhesives, and coatings, making him a versatile and strategic leader in the field of advanced materials.
Professional Development
Dr. Seung-Mo Hong has consistently pursued professional development through diverse leadership and technical roles across Korea and Japan. His strengths lie in R&D management, commercialization of high-tech polymer systems, and intellectual property strategy. He is proficient in reverse engineering, defect analysis, VOC resolution, and patent mapping. He has mentored numerous junior researchers and managed large-scale research projects. Notably, his work at Shin-A T&C and SKC led to market-ready innovations in quantum dot resins and multifunctional thiols. Dr. Hong is also fluent in Korean, business-level Japanese, and conversational English, enhancing his collaborative capabilities in multinational settings. He is skilled in using Minitab for statistical analysis and is Six Sigma Green Belt certified. His contributions to the polymer industry are reinforced by 108+ patents and multiple international publications, reflecting his commitment to ongoing innovation and excellence in advanced materials science.
Skills & Expertise
Dr. Seung-Mo Hong possesses a comprehensive skill set centered on advanced polymer science and industrial application. His core competencies include the synthesis and design of UV-curable oligomers and monomers, sulfur-containing compounds, thermoset polymers, and photosensitive materials. He is highly proficient in process development, including commercialization strategies, scale-up procedures, and optimization of production techniques for optical resins and films. Dr. Hong’s material application expertise spans a wide range of products, such as optical films for displays, high-refractive-index lenses, hard coatings, adhesives, and quantum dot-based materials. His analytical capabilities enable him to reverse engineer competitor products, resolve customer complaints, and conduct root cause analysis. Additionally, he is skilled in patent mapping, clearance, and intellectual property risk mitigation. As a seasoned R&D leader, he has mentored junior researchers and led multidisciplinary teams. He is fluent in Korean, professionally proficient in Japanese, and conversational in English, and he is adept at using Minitab and Microsoft Office tools.
Resarch Focus
Dr. Seung-Mo Hong’s research focuses on polymer synthesis, especially UV-curable oligomers and monomers, sulfur-based functional materials, and optical polymers for high-performance applications. His work delves into the development of thiol-based curing systems, high-refractive-index resins, and photosensitive materials for displays and electronics. He has pioneered methods for synthesizing polythiols, epoxy acrylates, and quantum dot UV inks, which have significantly impacted the optical film and display industries. His industrial research encompasses materials for hard coatings, adhesives, lens materials, and flexible electronics, bridging academic precision with commercial applicability. Hong’s approach includes novel chemical formulations, reaction optimization, and product durability improvements. He aligns his research with market trends in displays, wearables, and energy-efficient materials. Through an interdisciplinary lens, Dr. Hong advances polymer technology that underpins next-generation electronic and photonic devices.
Awards & Recognitions
Dr. Seung-Mo Hong’s exceptional contributions to polymer chemistry and industrial innovation have been widely recognized. He received the prestigious Invention King Award from SKC in both 2017 and 2018, honoring his groundbreaking developments in multifunctional thiols and optical materials. While at Dongwoo Fine-Chem, he was honored with the Most Patent Applications Award in 2011, highlighting his prolific output in material innovations, followed by the Excellent Employee Award in 2009. These accolades reflect his ability to transform scientific ideas into commercial products and his dedication to research excellence. In addition to these recognitions, Dr. Hong holds over 100 registered domestic patents and several international patents, demonstrating his continuous impact on the global materials science community. His Six Sigma Green Belt certification further attests to his proficiency in process optimization and quality control, solidifying his reputation as a visionary and highly effective research leader in advanced polymer materials.
Publication Top Notes
Title: Optimization of synthetic parameters of high purity trifunctional mercaptoesters and their curing behavior for the thiol–epoxy click reaction
Authors: Seung-Mo Hong, Oh Hwan Kim, Seung Hwan Hwang
Year: 2021
Citations: 8+
Title: Synthesis and Characterization of Multifunctional Secondary Thiol Hardeners Using 3‑Mercaptobutanoic Acid and Their Thiol−Epoxy Curing Behavior
Authors: Seung-Mo Hong, Seung Hwan Hwang
Year: 2022
Citations: 10+
Title: Enhancing the shelf life of epoxy monoacrylate resins using acryl phosphate as a reactive additive
Authors: Seung-Mo Hong, Oh Hwan Kim, Seung Hwan Hwang
Year: 2022
Citations: 6+
Title: Synthesis and characteristics of novel 2-hydroxy-3-mercaptopropyl terminated polyoxypropylene glyceryl ether as an epoxy hardener of epoxy-based adhesives
Authors: Seung-Mo Hong, Seung Hwan Hwang
Year: 2022
Citations: 4+
Title: Chemistry of Polythiols and Their Industrial Applications
Authors: Seung-Mo Hong, Oh Hwan Kim, Seung Hwan Hwang
Year: 2024
Citations: 1+
Title: Synthesis of 9,9-bis[4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl]fluorene di(mercaptopropionate) for high-luminance and refractive prism sheets
Authors: Seung-Mo Hong, Oh Hwan Kim, Seung Hwan Hwang
Year: 2024
Citations: 0 (new)
Title: Synthesis and Characterization of UV-Curable Resin with High Refractive Index for a Luminance-Enhancing Prism Film
Authors: J.H. Song, Seung-Mo Hong, S.K. Park, H.K. Kwon, S.H. Hwang, J.M. Oh, S.M. Koo, G.W. Lee, C.H. Park
Year: 2025
Citations: 0 (new)
Title: Synthesis and characterization of hyperbranched thiol hardener and their curing behavior in thiol–epoxy
Authors: J.H. Song, Seung-Mo Hong, S.K. Park, H.K. Kwon, S.H. Hwang, J.M. Oh, S.M. Koo, G.W. Lee, C.H. Park
Year: 2025
Citations: 0 (new)
Conclusion:
Dr. Hong’s career demonstrates a consistent trajectory of innovation, problem-solving, and technology development in polymer and materials engineering. His cutting-edge research, industrial application success, and outstanding patent portfolio make him a compelling and deserving recipient of the Best Researcher Award. His work not only advances scientific understanding but also significantly contributes to the commercialization of high-performance materials, impacting industries such as display technology, electronics, and optical coatings.