Expert Details
Expert in Nanotechnology for Fiber Reinforced Composites, Resin Matrix Systems, Phenolic Resin Technology
Expert ID: 724166
New Jersey, USA
Most high performance and advanced composite systems have CF as the reinforcing fiber. The surge of interest in CF composites is due to the current, commercial success of Boeing’s 787, Dreamliner which will contain ~ 50% mainly CF composites. The current shortage in CF availability has placed some developmental programs requiring CF on hold or has shifted to the use of high tow CF or glass/CF hybrids and process modifications. He is familiar with new TS systems are being developed for composites and include phenolic-like systems such as Benzoxazines, non-formaldehyde cured phenolics, polyimides, specialty resins and newly developed fibers.
He is actively involved in Nanotechnology to develop selected nanomodified TS and TP resins to incorporate them into fiber reinforced composites for multi-functional benefits. Nanoparticles such as nanoclay, nanosilica, carbon nanofibers, single and single/multi-wall carbon nanotubes, POSS, nano-SiC particles and whiskers are used in most of his programs. Novel flame retardant TP resins are being developed by nano-modification of resins accompanied by synergists.
During his industrial career, Expert has been involved in resin chemistry that encompasses the chemical structural characteristics of organic polymeric resins such as thermoplastic, thermosetting, elastomers, rubbers and natural resins. The distinguishing features of various polymerization methods require either addition/chain method of polymerization or condensation or step growth technique to manufacture an assortment of polymeric resins. His research activities have encountered typical condensation resins as polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanes, polycarbonates, polyaryl ethers, polyacetals, phenolics, epoxies, unsaturated polyesters, vinyl esters, urea and/or melamine formaldehyde, and other lesser-known polymers. These are reactive low MW oligomers that undergo cross-linking into thermosetting resins. He is an expert in phenolic resin chemistry from raw material components, resin manufacture, resin formulation, and many end use applications. His knowledge of phenolics extends to other closely related F based resins such as urea/F and melamine/F resins and their respective uses. He also has worked with epoxies, cyanate esters, and non-formaldehyde cured phenolics involving the development of formulations, fabrication and cure/post cure conditions. Addition or chain type resins represent polyolefins (PE, PP), PAN, polystyrenes, PMMA, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, and many others. Copolymers are also obtained within these families of resins. Different conditions are used to prepare addition polymers ranging from radical initiation for random linear or branched polymers to ionic chain polymerization (anionic or cationic). He has prepared non-crystallizing caprolactone polymers as permanent plasticizers for PVC using ring opening polymerization of cyclic monomers like lactones (caprolactone). PVC possesses low crystallization and a Tg of 81ºC. PVC requires thermal additives or stabilizers (acid acceptors) to process and avoid the release of HCl on melt processing. Large quantities of PVC are flexibilized with plasticizers (internal lubricants) that are fugitive and escape during the lifetime of the product. Hence the quest for a permanent PVC plasticizer was the objective of the program. These plasticized PVC materials enjoy large markets for upholstery, film, toys, others. He was engaged in preparing and transforming polymers based on Polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) that were hydrolyzed into polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and isolated or the intermediate PVOH was reacted with formaldehyde or butyraldehyde to form acetals, either polyvinyl formal or polyvinyl butvar. These transformation products enjoy large volume use in water soluble coatings, textile sizing agents (PVOH) while the acetal products are used in adhesives, coatings, wash primers and cross-linkable systems. He conducted research on the preparation of octafluoro-di-para-xylylene that at elevated temperatures in vacuum generates the tetrafluoro-xylylene monomer and spontaneously polymerizes into tetrafluoro-poly-para-xylylene as a conformal coating on the substrate that is present in the vacuum chamber. He developed a chromium ester catalyst for the preparation of polyolefins. High temperature polyaryl ethers were developed in the 1960’s and involved polymeric nucleophilic displacement to obtain PEEK, polysulfone and others. He has formulated and transformed polyaryl ethers into prepregs for fiber reinforced composites. Recent research activities involve the use of nanotechnology being applied to various resins to improve resin performance characteristics at the nanoscale level. Selected nanoparticles such as nanoclay, nanosilica, carbon nanofiber, POSS, single and multi wall carbon nanotubes, and nano-SiC particles/whiskers are evaluated in many TS and TP materials
He is actively involved in assisting a Biomaterials company in developing marketing/technical strategy for lignin as a partial phenol replacement in phenolic resins, as a potential carbon fiber precursor, and reinforcing agent in thermoplastic and rubber resins.He is assisting in the selection of nanomaterials to nanomodify phenolic resin for use in fiberbonding, foam area, abrasives. Suitable high shear equipment is specified, analyses of cured nanomodified phenolic by TEM, TGA of anticipated increased heat strength, conduct trials in fiberbonding, foam, and abrasives. Analyses of new nanomodified phenolic products and proposed marketing strategy for market introduction versus conventional phenolic materials. Workshops/lectures on Nanotechnology for Executive management and its application/utility for improved product portfolio.He is examining the use of selected nanomaterials to flame retard selective thermoplastic (TP) materials with selective synergists to lead to significantly improved thermoplastic materials that are flame resistant, higher strength/high glass transition temperature, and better moisture resistance TP material that avoids the current hazardous flame retardant materials. The use of Nanomaterials results in multiplicity of functionality in the TP material besides flame resistance - higher Tg, higher strength, moisture resistance. Workshops/lectures on Nanotechnolgy presented to middle and executive management. He has suggested a suitable RTM phenolic resin for a client that is planning to market a very low F (Flame), S (smoke), and T (toxicity) fiber reinforced component for the US and Asian (Japanese) market. The newly developed FST composite is expected to be in great demand and sell at a premium price in those applications that require FST performance but are currently lacking those attributes. The RTM phenolic resin composite system is expected to be fully integrated into an existing RTM process with some modification. Workshop/lecture presentations to R&D/Developement personnel and Executive management. Some special training required in handling phenolic resins (perishability and hazards) as compared to existing resins.Workshop on various resin matrix systems, fibers, processes used to make fiber reinforced composites to provide an overview of the strategy necessary to enter the composites market as a supplier of a specific resin matrix. Comparisons of different resins, selection factors, proposed pricing, market opportunities, current and future applications, strength and weaknesses of current resin matrices, consolidation of some manufacturers in the resin matrix arena, vertical and horizontal integration potential, competitors, resin volumes, price of composite on a pound basis to replace metal or wood, FST characteristics, commodity vs high performance vs advanced market areas and pricing structure of these materials, automotive, electronics, transportation, corrosion market areas are considered.
Expert may consult nationally and internationally, and is also local to the following cities: New York, New York - Yonkers, New York - Newark, New Jersey - Jersey City, New Jersey - Paterson, New Jersey - Elizabeth, New Jersey - Bridgeport, Connecticut - New Haven, Connecticut - Stamford, Connecticut - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Education
Year | Degree | Subject | Institution |
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Year: 1962 | Degree: PhD | Subject: Organic Chemistry | Institution: Notre Dame University |
Year: 1956 | Degree: BS | Subject: Chemistry | Institution: St. John Fisher College |
Work History
Years | Employer | Title | Department | Responsibilities |
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Years: 2000 to Present | Employer: Undisclosed | Title: Chief Scientist | Department: | Responsibilities: He is chief scientist involved in writing proposals for SBIR/STTR U.S. Government funded research as well as commercial companies. |
Years: 1978 to Present | Employer: Undisclosed | Title: President | Department: | Responsibilities: He is actively engaged in Nanotechnology, Fiber reinforced composites, resin matrix systems, and bio-based resins and fibers. |
Years: 1964 to 1978 | Employer: Union Carbide Corporation | Title: Research Scientist | Department: | Responsibilities: He was involved in a variety of R&D programs with the last being involved in Phenolic Technology. He was International Technology Manager for Phenolic Business Center and travelled to all Carbide Phenolic joint ventures. |
International Experience
Years | Country / Region | Summary |
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Years: 2007 to Present | Country / Region: South America | Summary: He is involved in provide technical assistance in Phenolic Chemistry. |
Years: 2001 to 2003 | Country / Region: France and Austria | Summary: Technical assistance in Phenolic Chemistry. |
Years: 1992 to 2000 | Country / Region: Germany | Summary: Assist in Epoxy and Phenolic Chemistry/Applications |
Years: 2002 to 2002 | Country / Region: Italy | Summary: Water based materials for decorative laminates |
Years: 1993 to 1994 | Country / Region: Taiwan | Summary: Fiber reinforced composites, honeycomb, resin matrix systems |
Career Accomplishments
Associations / Societies |
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He is a SAMPE Fellow of the SAMPE Technical Society and a member of the American Chemical Society. |
Professional Appointments |
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Member of ASM, Engineering Materials Achievement Award Selection Committee (2007-2010); Member of Scientific Advisory Committee, Alfred University from 2001 to present; Member of Scientific Advisory Committee, Texas State University from 1999 to 2004. |
Publications and Patents Summary |
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He has published 4 books (3 on Phenolic Chemistry, other Advance Composites), 2 book chapters (nanotechnology and Phenolic chemistry) over 50 publications, 1 US patent application, 12 US patents, Many technical presentations, workshops, tutorials. |
Additional Experience
Expert Witness Experience |
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Expert witness phenolic resin technology |
Training / Seminars |
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1)Tutorial on Nanotechnology delivered to many SAMPE conferences; 2)Tutorial on Resin Matrix Systems delivered to SAMPE conferences prior to Nanotechnology topic; Workshops on Phenolic and Epoxy Resin Technology |
Vendor Selection |
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Large number of vendors have been contacted from large companies like Dupont to small companies involved in thermoplastic and thermosetting resins, fibers, additives, nanomaterials, flame retardants, testing, analyses, SLS materials |
Marketing Experience |
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Experience in floral, orthotic insulation foams for the consumer markets, phenolic and epoxy resins marketing, |
Fields of Expertise
composite material, resin chemistry, nanomaterial, composite material characterization, composite preform, two-part adhesive, polymer processing, plastic handling, elastomer blend, thermoplastic material selection, peroxide curing, plastic service-life prediction, polymer antistatic additive, composite material selection, polymer powder, polymer crystallinity, polymer degradation, styrenic thermoplastic elastomer, rubber selection, polymer adsorption, melt flow, polymerization reactor control, polymer compatibility, composite aircraft structure, polymer grinding, plastics industry, aromatic polymer, polymer technology, three-dimensional structure for composite material, crystalline polymer, composite material mechanical property, polymer mechanical property, polymer thermal analysis, polyamide evaluation, advanced composite, polymer solution thermodynamics, glassy polymer, plastic component design, polyurethane chemistry, acylation, plastic material, polymer flammability, autoclave, autoclaving, polymer blend, polymer alloy, resin, synthetic organic polymer, polymer, polymer selection, polymer recycling, polymer physical chemistry, polymer modification chemistry, polymer coating material, polymer characterization, composite structure