Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1983-1989
Title: Horst Schurmann: Innovator in Fuel and Paper Sizing Technologies
Introduction
Horst Schurmann is a notable inventor based in Duren, Germany. He has made significant contributions to the fields of fuel briquettes and paper sizing agents. With a total of 6 patents to his name, Schurmann's work has had a lasting impact on these industries.
Latest Patents
One of Schurmann's latest patents involves the manufacture of fuel briquettes. This process combines solid fuel materials such as hard coal, coke, soft coal, charcoal, and particularly anthracite, with polyvinyl alcohol and calcium oxide or magnesium oxide. The mixture also includes at least 1 percent by weight of water, which is then formed into briquettes. The resulting briquettes exhibit high initial crush resistance and abrasion resistance, making them easy to handle. Notably, when anthracite is used, the carbon tar index is less than 50, and the waste gases emitted during combustion have a significantly reduced SO₂ content.
Another of his recent patents focuses on cationic sizing agents for paper. These agents are produced by reacting alpha-olefins with maleic anhydride, followed by imidation with a polyamine that contains both tertiary and primary amino groups. The process includes quaternization of the imide with epichlorohydrin in the presence of water. The resulting copolymers, with an average molecular weight ranging from 3000 to 30,000, are particularly effective as surface-sizing agents for paper made from secondary fibers.
Career Highlights
Horst Schurmann has been associated with Akzo N.V., a leading company in the chemical industry. His innovative work has contributed to the development of advanced materials that enhance the performance and sustainability of various products.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Schurmann has collaborated with notable colleagues such as Axel Vogts and Gunter Poppel. These partnerships have fostered a creative environment that has led to the successful development of his patented technologies.
Conclusion
Horst Schurmann's contributions to fuel and paper technologies demonstrate his innovative spirit and commitment to advancing these fields. His patents reflect a deep understanding of material science and a dedication to improving product performance and environmental sustainability.