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Expert F. Expert's primary research endeavors have focused on aqueous-induced surface corrosion and the preservation of glass quality during transport and storage. Expert holds nine patents in the area of protective interleaving systems for glass packaging. These fundamental studies related to glass surface properties and chemical behavior later expanded to include the corrosion of lead crystal glass, the effects of hard water spots on glass, concrete runoff on glass, the intereaction of construction materials and glass, the effects of building facade cleaning agents on fenestration surfaces, the preparation of glass surfaces for fabrication processes along with the physical properties and microstructure of glass surface scratches and related physical defect phenomena. The aforementioned glass surface studies have included both annealed, heat strengthened as well as tempered glass. In addition, expertise has been acquired with respect to automotive glass surfaces which includes the testing and identification of specialized paper interleaving materials for the packaging finished parts.

The practical ramifications of these studies have been substantiated by the more than 1000 requests for problem solving assistance that Expert and his group received while plying his trade as a full time employee for 30 years at a major American based glass company. Some of the major problem areas addresssed involved glass surface corrosion, MSVD coating issues, tempered glass, heat strengthened glass, corrosion of security glazing, glass surface preparation for fabrication and coating processes, hard water spots on glass and many other glass surface related issues.

The detailed investigation and study of the previously mentioned subject areas have led to the development of a unique body of expertise that is capable of providing insights regarding many glass surface related issues that often defy explanation.

Expert has written a number of srticles that address the practical aspects of glass surface behavior which have appeared in various trade publications and conference proceedings. He has also presented seminar programs before groups which include The Society of Vacuum Coaters, The Mid-Atlantic Glass Association, Glass Expo Midwest, Housatonic Chapter of CSI, International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA), Society of Glass and Ceramic Decorators Pro (SGCD Pro), 69th Glass Problems Conference at The Ohio State University and the Glass Association of North America (GANA).

Expert was contacted to investigate damage to shadow box spandrel units retrieved from an office tower in Singapore. Examination revealed glass to be damaged as a result of moisture-induced surface corrosion. Final report summarized options for enhancing duability of spandrel glass surfaces.
Expert was approached to identify the nature of damage observed on more thn 600 high rise condominium windows after a building facade cleaning project was completed. Investigation revealed glass to have been adversely affected by an alkaline cleaning agent used on building facade. Expert recommended that glass restoration be undertaken rather than replacement. Building manager reported that successful restoration project saved interested parties approximately $900,000. Expert was contacted to investigate cause of damage to coated glass surfaces on exterior of a suburban office building in mid-west USA. Related study of situation revealed that coated surfaces had been damaged by an acidic cleaning agent which had been used on building facade as well as glass. It was determined that both the window cleaning company and facade restoration firm did not understand the vulnerability of coated glass to acidic cleaning materials.