Expert Details
Thermoset and Thermoplastic Composites, Flame Retardancy, Low-Profile Additives, and Shrink Control
ID: 733937
North Carolina, USA
During his tenure with the same company, Expert worked with customers in developing formulations for passing required application certification tests such as ASTM E84, UL 723, UL94 V0 and 5VA, ASTM E648, ASTM E662 and E162 (Docket 90).
Near the end of his career at Huber, Expert implemented a new product development program in engineering thermoplastics specifically targeting nylon. The flame-retardant effect of magnesium hydroxide was being studied in conjunction with novel char forming technology.
Currently Expert is consulting with a manufacturer of Nitrogen-Phosphorus flame retardants. The area of consultation involves working with customers in flame-retarding thermoplastic composite and thermoset composites, as well as intumescent coatings and caulks.
Expert worked in the field of low-profile additives (shrinkage control) based on polyvinyl acetate for Class A SMC and BMC while at Union Carbide and later Dow Chemical (after acquisition). The advancement of Class A SMC technology required Expert to acquire skills in physical testing, profilometry, UV weathering, and SMC and BMC formulating. He wrote and presented papers on his research about the low-profile mechanism that explained why low-profile additives control shrinkage and improve surface quality of thermoset composites but also explained the hazing and mottling phenomena observed in pigmented low profile formulations.
In order to diversify the product line away from PVAc, Expert led research into the synthesis of polyurethane oligomers as low-profile additives.
Expert was promoted to technical director in 1998 of the Low-Profile Additives SBU. His technical responsibilities were expanded after the Dow Chemical acquisition as Technology Leader to include the Derakane Vinyl Ester Product line.
Consulting with JLS Flame Retardant Chemical Company for improvement of N-P product line with regard to: 1.) customer processes and applications; 2.) introduce these products to potential customers; 3.) maintain existing customers with technical support. Consulted with J.M. Huber for 6 months with the responsibility of training his replacement in all aspects of his former position which include interpretation of cone calorimetry data, particle size analysis, rheology as well as thermoset composite formulating.
Education
Year | Degree | Subject | Institution |
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Year: 1989 | Degree: Ph.D. Macromolecular Chemistry | Subject: Interpretation of Electron Spin Resonance Spectra using computer simulation | Institution: University of Detroit |
Year: 1982 | Degree: Masters in the Economc Aspects of Chemistry | Subject: Compiled a review paper of polyelectrolyte chemistry | Institution: University of Detroit |
Year: 1973 | Degree: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry Major) | Subject: Analytical Chemistry; Organic Synthesis | Institution: Bowling Green State University |
Work History
Years | Employer | Title | Department |
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Years: 2003 to 2016 | Employer: J.M. Huber Corp. | Title: Thermoset Technology Manager | Department: Flame Retaradant Additives |
Responsibilities:Fire Retardant Research and Development for new products based on Alumina Trihydrate, MagnesiumHydroxide and N-P compounds. - Extensive use of cone calorimeter and rheological data - Work with customers and production with regard to the introduction of new products - Support production and sales with regard to any quality issues that might arise - Supervised two R&D technicians |
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Years | Employer | Title | Department |
Years: 1986 to 2003 | Employer: Union Carbide Corp. (Dow Chemical) | Title: Sr. Scientist/Technical Director/Technology Leader | Department: Low Profile Addtiives & Vinyl Ester Resins |
Responsibilities:- R&D leadership in the Poly(vinyl acetate) (Neulon and Sentry product lines) and Vinyl Ester Resin (Derakane product line) business units.- R&D of low profile additives in SMC, BMC, RTM, pultrusion and other thermoset processes. - Work directly with customers in order to solve problems related to materials and products - Work with Marketing for the development and introduction of new products - Support the Poly(vinyl acetate) unit with programs for more efficient operation with respect to increased capacity, decreased waste, sensible specifications, and increased process capability. - Provide updates on status and results of R&D programs - Recommendations on path forward of strategy and issues confronting the businesses. |
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Years | Employer | Title | Department |
Years: 1982 to 1986 | Employer: University of Detroit | Title: Ph.D. Candidate | Department: Chemistry Dept. |
Responsibilities:- Research Fellowship granted by Haviland Corp. where the research interest was the development of high molecular weight flocculating agents.- Ph.D. research involved the study of crosslinked polyacrylamide gels using electron spin resonance. - Teaching assistant: Introduction to Organic Chemistry and General Chemistry Laboratory. |
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Years | Employer | Title | Department |
Years: 1977 to 1982 | Employer: Composite Technology Corp. | Title: R&D Chemist | Department: R&D |
Responsibilities:- Research new composite molding processes for automotive applications, such as exterior body panels and structural support beams.- Develop thermoset molding formulations for manufacturing |
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Years | Employer | Title | Department |
Years: 1973 to 1976 | Employer: Allied Chemical Corp. | Title: Analytical Chemist | Department: Quality Control Dept. |
Responsibilities:- Responsible for quality test methods and specifications in the following areas: epoxy/phenolic encapsulation molding compounds, unsaturated polyester resins, melamine/formaldehyde and urea/formaldehyde molding compounds. |
International Experience
Years | Country / Region | Summary |
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Years: 1998 to 2002 | Country / Region: France, Germany, Italy | Summary: Traveled Europe twice a year visiting customers while technical director for Union Carbide Corp. |
Career Accomplishments
Awards / Recognition |
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- 2015 - J.M. Huber Innovation Award - Development of MoldX Product Line - 2000 – Composite Fabricators Association (CFA) Best Materials Paper Award - 1993 - SPI/CI Best Materials Paper Award - 1991 - SPI/CI Best Materials Paper Award - 1982 – Haviland Corp. Fellowship |
Publications and Patents Summary |
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Expert has been awarded 10 patents. He has 17 publications in peer-reviewed journals. |
Fields of Expertise
surface treatment, dispersion rheology, particle-size analysis, magnesium compound, alumina hydrate, fire-resistant coating material, fire-resistant laminate, polyvinyl acetate, vinyl ester resin, dimensional stability, bulk molding compound, sheet molding compound, thermoset polyester, customer service development, claim (patent), acceptable quality level, epoxy curing, voice of the customer, polymer antioxidant, physical property testing, free radical polymerization