Academic Credentials
  • Ph.D., Applied Physics, Harvard University, 2019
  • S.M., Applied Physics, Harvard University, 2015
  • B.Sc., Nanotechnology Engineering, University of Waterloo, 2013
Professional Affiliations
  • Society of Plastics Engineers
  • ASM International

Dr. Kreder specializes in helping clients address challenges related to the end-use performance of polymers such as rigid plastics, elastomers, rubbers, adhesives, sealants, coatings, textiles, membranes, and foams used in a variety of applications, including automotive vehicles, consumer electronics, medical devices, oil and gas, construction, and water distribution systems. He has extensive experience using his broad knowledge of materials science to conduct root cause investigations into failures of polymeric components, including cracking/fracture, adhesive failure, leaking, or excessive deformation and wear. His deep knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of polymers allows him to further support clients with material processing and manufacturing, yield improvement, recall support, identification and characterization of contaminants, material selection, and the technical aspects of product liability or patent litigation.

Dr. Kreder routinely uses analytical techniques to assess the chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of engineered materials. He has experience implementing standards-based or application-specific testing procedures to evaluate the end-use performance of polymeric materials and products. He frequently assists clients by evaluating the role of environmental and end-use conditions in polymer failure and has conducted investigations into potential manufacturing and design defects. He specializes in using optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to visualize and characterize surface topography and morphology for a variety of applications, including failure analysis, characterization of contaminants, and polymer fractography. For example, Dr. Kreder has conducted or supported dozens of investigations into fractured pipes, hoses, tubes, or fittings that led to water damage in residential or commercial settings. When necessary, these investigations may include microscopic analysis of components and/or chemical testing of polymeric materials and associated contaminants using techniques such as FTIR or GC-MS.

Dr. Kreder has particular expertise in the area of interfacial science and solid-liquid interactions, encompassing thin film application and analysis, filtration, capillarity, porous flows, surface fouling, surface charging, and characterization of surface properties using techniques such as contact angle analysis and tensiometry. He has extensive experience developing custom optical systems for interferometric analysis of the thickness and dynamics of liquid thin films. Dr. Kreder has employed and developed various scientific approaches to modify the surface energy and wetting properties of a wide range of materials with molecular monolayers and polymer brushes of various chemistries, with a particular focus on alkyl, perfluorinated and siloxane-based molecules.

Prior to joining Exponent, Dr. Kreder received his doctorate in Applied Physics from Harvard University, where he researched and developed novel lubricant-infused repellent coatings. In addition to interfacial properties, he extensively studied the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of materials and worked to describe the behavior of swellable polymers. His current research interests also include the fractographic behavior of polymeric materials.