Organic Chemistry Expert in Cellulose Ether Process and Product Development

Technical Consultant #2090

Hydroxyethyl cellulose product and process development.
Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose process and product development.
Cellulose ether chemistry.
New product development and process improvements for the organic chemistry industry.
Exceptional chemical research and development skills in the following expertise:
Polymer synthesis, applications and production
Water soluble polymers
Cellulose and derivatives
Data management
Scale-up operations
Membrane separation

Independent Consultant, Present

Managed a major research project, which involved the development of a new low molecular weight polymer.
Directed extensive analysis and testing to develop a base product that would retain excellent performance despite its lower molecular weight.
Developed and documented new product, which could then be sent for testing and scale up for commercial development.
Managed a research project to identify and isolate a chemical component of an excipient used in the coating on a pharmaceutical tablet.
Developed a hypothesis of how it could be produced with significantly reduced contaminants that would meet regulatory guidelines. The new process was documented and placed into full production avoiding loss of market share and the cost of reprocessing materials.
Participated on a team to improve an existing production process, which would result in a reduction to the cost of manufacturing the product.
A complete analysis and review of existing processes and subsequent research to develop new methods for use of cellulosic polymers in existing processes. After successful implementation of the new process development, a marketing effort was put into place attempting to get raw materials and samples from the industry.
These samples would be used in trials to prove the value and worth of the process for increased market share and profits.

The Dow Chemical Company, Piscataway, NJ, 2001 - 2009

Process Research and Development Leader, 2007 - 2009

Process and product development for a new hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose polymer for use in pharmaceutical applications.
Project involved development of candidate product samples for evaluation by TS&D (Technical Service and Development Scientist) and customers as well as pilot scale production of samples.
Identification of process modifications needed to minimize formation of an undesirable byproduct in manufacture of a pharmaceutical excipient product.
Conducted lab studies, experimental design, product analyses and development of a mechanistic framework for understanding byproduct formation.

Process Research Leader, 2001 - 2007

Responsible for water-soluble polymers process research and development.
Provided support in Cellosize™, Polyox™, Amerchol, Ethocel™, and Methocel™.
Additional responsibilities included Cellosize Pulp Team Leader and TS&D support for WSP products in oilfield applications.
Responsible for delivering process chemistry support for three global Cellosize plants.

Union Carbide Corporation, Piscataway, NJ, 1976 - 2001

Senior Research Scientist, 1995 - 2001

Process and product improvement for Cellosize Hydroxyethyl cellulose. Note: Union Carbide merged with Dow.
Product and process research and development in a wide variety of technology areas, including solution vinyl resins, magnetic recording applications, alkyl silicates, polycarbodiimides, Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (PSA), emulsion polymerization.

Research Scientist, 1993 - 1995

Responsible for delivering process chemistry support for solution vinyl resins business.

Group Leader, 1985 - 1993

Chemist, 1976 - 1985

Credentials

Academic and Professional Affiliations

Publications and Patents