Donald J Hart

Title: Discovering the Innovations of Donald J. Hart

Introduction

Donald J. Hart is a renowned inventor based in Sterling Heights, MI, known for his contributions to the field of polyurethane coatings. With a total of three patents to his name, his work focuses on enhancing the performance characteristics of high solid polyurethane clearcoats.

Latest Patents

His most notable innovations include patents for the control of sagging in high solids polyurethane clearcoats using urea-based thixotropes. The first patent details novel urethane clearcoat compositions enhanced by a flow control system that incorporates a urea thixotrope/acrylic microgel additive. This process involves preparing isocyanate-terminated prepolymers by reacting a polyether polyol with a stoichiometric excess of saturated cyclic aliphatic polyisocyanate, followed by modifying these prepolymers with an ethanolamine to create urea end-capped thixotropes. The synergistic effect of combining these thixotropes with a polymethyl methacrylate microgel has proven effective in significantly reducing sagging in high solids urethane clearcoat systems.

In a similar vein, his other patent focuses on a flow control system using urea thixotropes combined with finely divided transparent silica to achieve the same desirable outcome in controlling sagging. The innovative combination produces a greater benefit than expected from either component alone, further showcasing Donald's expertise in this specialized area.

Career Highlights

Donald J. Hart is an integral part of GM Global Technology Operations LLC, where he applies his innovative capabilities in the development of new materials and products. His efforts have led to significant advancements in the field of automotive coatings, making him a respected figure within the industry.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Donald has collaborated with talented individuals, including Robert Augustine Ottaviani and William T. Short. These collaborations have enriched his research and development efforts, fostering a creative environment that drives innovation in polyurethane technologies.

Conclusion

In summary, Donald J. Hart's contributions to the field of polyurethane coatings have had a lasting impact on product development within the automotive industry. His innovative patents reflect a deep understanding of materials science and a commitment to improving the functionality of coatings. With ongoing collaborations and an impressive portfolio, Donald continues to push the boundaries of innovation in his domain.