Biodegradable Polymers and Microencapsulation of Biocides, Fungicides and Herbicides

Expertise

• Biodegradable Polysuccimimide and Polyaspartates
• Isothiazolone Biocide Formulations
• Microencapsulation for a broad range of application areas - biocides, fungicides, herbicides, coating cross-linkers, fragrances
• Acrylic dispersions
• Leather Chemistry, including curing, tanning, coatings and analysis
• Biodegradable polymers based on aspartic acid chemistry, including manufacturing, synthesis, analysis, derivatization, and application studies based on aspartic acid chemistry.

Experience

Independent Consultant 2000 - Present

• Developed biodegradable polymers based on aspartic acid chemistry

Rohm & Haas Co. 1963 - 2002

Specializing in:

• Marine Antifoulants, Foul Release Program, Controlled Release Programs.
• Biocides for Plastics/Composites, Biocides/Polymer Interactions, Physical properties of films, Binding of RH-287 to polymer substrates.
• Developed Biocides formulations: Encapsulation approaches to a non-sensitizing paint systems; effects of paint components on in-can stability; mechanism of decomposition of DBNPA; stable water dilutable DBNPA formulation, a solid, water soluble, formulation for RH-886.
• Leather Coatings and Leather Tanning Chemicals

Worked in:

• Pioneering Research Department: Invented 2 distinct microencapsulation processes; broad range of application areas - biocides, fungicides, herbicides, coating X-linkers, fragrances; identified new shell materials; water soluble as well as water insoluble target compounds; extended particle size to submicron range; invented new route to opacifying polymer for use as a TiO2 substitute in coatings; unique concept for a binder for intumescent paints.
• Coating Synthesis Department: Defined parameters for the synthesis and stabilization of acrylic emulsion polymers; Demonstrated the unexpected critical role for surfactant purity upon latex processing and properties which set stage for statistical process control the plants.
• Trade Sales Coating: Determined the mechanism of decomposition of mildewcide product in paints and developed systems for stabilization.
• Leather Coatings and Leather Tanning Chemicals: Discovered and proved the mechanism of a highly effective low cost, ambient curing mechanism; Extended application to leather coatings; Developed 2 highly successful leather finish coating binders; New process for leather tanning based on fundamental interpretation of collagen structure, function, chemical reactivity; Correlated Syntan/Collagen properties based on reactive functionality; Invented a process for making permanently white, non-yellowing glutaraldehyde tanned leather; Designed an improved performance, cost effective, low color sole leather tannage; Developed enzyme unhairing and soaking processes.

Honors & Publications

Dozens of Patents and Publications, including:

• Process for Microencapsulation
• Microencapsulation of Agrochemicals and Pharmaceuticals into Polymers
• Methods of Synthesis of Polysuccinimide or Polyaspastate by End Capping Polymerization
• Crosslinkable base coat resins for leather finishing
• The role of surfactants in polymerization

Education

• Ph.D., New York University, New York, NY
• M.S., New York University, New York, NY
• B.S., Queens College, Flushing, NY