Francoise Van Tiggelen

Title: Francoise Van Tiggelen: Innovator in Polyether Polyol Technology

Introduction

Francoise Van Tiggelen is a notable inventor based in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. She has made significant contributions to the field of polymer chemistry, particularly in the development of polyether polyols. Her innovative work has implications for various applications, including the production of flame-retardant materials.

Latest Patents

Francoise Van Tiggelen holds a patent for a co-initiated polyether polyol and the process for its preparation. This patent outlines a method that involves preparing a mixture of at least one aromatic initiator, at least one polyethylene glycol, and optionally one or more aliphatic initiators. The process includes reacting this mixture in the presence of a suitable alkoxylation catalyst with at least one alkylene oxide that has three or more carbon atoms per molecule. The resulting polyether polyol has a hydroxyl value ranging from 150 to 400 mg KOH/g. This co-initiated polyether polyol is particularly suitable for the preparation of rigid polyisocyanurate-modified polyurethane foams, which exhibit excellent flame retardancy.

Career Highlights

Francoise Van Tiggelen is currently employed at Shell Oil Company, where she continues to advance her research in polymer chemistry. Her work has been instrumental in developing materials that meet stringent safety standards while maintaining performance.

Collaborations

Francoise has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Thomas Bronnum and Melis Hasselaar. These partnerships have fostered innovation and contributed to the success of her projects.

Conclusion

Francoise Van Tiggelen's contributions to the field of polyether polyols demonstrate her commitment to innovation and safety in material science. Her work not only enhances the performance of polyurethane foams but also addresses critical safety concerns in various applications.