Ph.D. Polymer Films, Resins, Additives and Analytical Testing Consultant

Technical Consultant #2371

Over 35 years in the chemistry industry with focus on Catalysis, analytical chemistry, polymer chemistry, problem solving, film extrusion (cast and blown) and surface science.
Product development, identifying-resolving processing issues and improving film properties.
Diagnostics: Root causes in all areas of polymer chemistry, additives, resins, film production, surface science and customer film applications, providing robust solutions.

Highlighted Projects

Development of films for converting algae to ethanol.
Polypropylene blown film development for industrial label market.
Designing packaging applications in healthcare and paper products.
Identifying peel strength failures, surface contamination and defects of various products.
Analyze; stains, gels and surface contamination in substrates.
New film development with antistatic properties and improved adhesion.
Blown and cast films for healthcare and packaging.
Synthesis of new polymers through functionalization of polyolefins in solution and melt for applications in healthcare and automotive sectors.
Develop catalysts for oxidation of olefins with hydroperoxides and elemental oxygen to generate glycols with carbon dioxide cyclic carbonates.
Biodegradation of polyolefins.
Polymer degradability and recycling of polyolefins.

Expert Witness Experience

Undisclosed Company, Owner 2009 - Present

Consulting in many areas of surface science, resin selection, product development in films and problem solving for five companies.
Consulting projects consisted of development of films for converting algae to ethanol, polypropylene blown film for industrial label market, cast film for lamination to substrate for oil cleanup, and many packaging applications in healthcare and paper products.

Tredegar Film Products, Lake Zurich, IL, Research Advisor, 1999 - 2009

Developed analytical tools to analyze defects, surface contamination, and reason for peel strength failures at masking customers.
Initiated development of surface science techniques internally and with outside laboratories.
New in-house capabilities were introduced and utilized for analyzing a myriad of "stains", gels and surface contamination on customer's substrates.
Development of new films with antistatic properties and improved adhesion was completed. Alternate resins were selected and qualified for a number of films across all areas of Tredegar's film business.
Active member on a number of problem solving teams throughout Tredegar and with many important customers.

Exxon Chemical Company, Film Division Lake Zurich, IL, 1992 - 1999

Research Associate, (Polymers Applications Business Unit)

Setup an analytical lab in Exxon's film division and initiated development of film applications using Exxon's new metallocene-produced polyolefins.
Developed a new series of blown and cast films for healthcare and packaging based on the new polymers. Recipient of the Exxon Chemical's President Award for commercializing PVC replacement films for healthcare.
Developed with a major customer an alternative to Saran Wrap, now called Press and Seal.

Senior Staff Chemist, Polymer Long Range Research Group, Baytown, TX, 1989 - 1992

Expert on the technical issues of plastics in solid waste, gave presentations upon request to customers, interested suppliers, and outside companies.
Represented Exxon on the technical committee of the Council for Solid Waste Solutions, a consortium of resin producers and end users, in Washington, D.C.
Presented an important paper on biodegradation of polyolefins at the First International Symposium on Degradable Polymers.

Staff Chemist, Polymer Long Range Research Group, Baytown, TX, 1985 - 1989

Synthesized new polymers via functionalization of polyolefins in solution and the melt for applications in healthcare and automotive sectors.
Explored the area of polymer degradability and recycling of polyolefins.

Staff Chemist, Corporate Ventures Technology, Allendale, NJ, 1983 - 1985

Developed catalytic process for producing ethylene glycol and tertiary butyl alcohol in one step via oxidation of ethylene from lab through pilot line.
Exxon generated numerous patents in this area during this time frame. Presented on the subject at many internal and external events.

Senior Research Chemist, New Ventures Technology, Allendale, NJ, 1979 - 1983

Instrumental in developing catalysts for oxidation of olefins with hydroperoxides and elemental oxygen to generate glycols and with carbon dioxide cyclic carbonates.
Gave numerous talks internally and became head of Exxon's global catalyst network in oxidation (25 scientists).
As member on Product Research Group, setup lab and initiated development of homogeneous catalysts for oxidation of olefins selectively to glycols.

Gulf Research and Engineering, Pittsburgh, PA, Research Chemist, 1977 - 1979

Developed and patented catalysts for hydroperoxide decomposition and oxidation of olefins to diols in homogeneous catalysis group.

U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserves, 1969 - 1975

Credentials

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - Post Doctoral Research Fellow, Department of Chemistry

Academic and Professional Affiliations

Degradable Polymer Council.
American Chemical Society
Society of Plastics Engineers
Technical Advisor on Council for Solid Waste Solutions (Washington, DC)
American Society of Testing and Materials, Advisory Committee on Degradable- ASTM/ISR Standards

Awards

Publications and Patents

Author of numerous publications for: Workshops, conference material, in peer reviewed science and engineering journals
Inventor of patents in catalysis, biodegradable polymers, functionalized polypropylene, metallocene polymers, and photodegradable polymers