James T Edmonds, Jr

Title: **James T. Edmonds, Jr.: A Pioneer in Polymer Innovations**

Introduction

James T. Edmonds, Jr. is a distinguished inventor based in Bartlesville, OK, who has made significant contributions to the field of polymer science. With a remarkable portfolio of 21 patents, he has been instrumental in developing innovative materials with improved properties for a variety of high-temperature applications.

Latest Patents

Among his latest inventions is a groundbreaking patent for a poly(arylene sulfide sulfone) polymer containing ether groups. This invention outlines a two-step process to create a polymer that exhibits enhanced high-temperature properties. The initial step involves preparing a prepolymer characterized as dihalo-terminated polyethersulfone oligomers by reacting an aromatic diphenol with an excess of a dihalo aromatic sulfone. The subsequent step involves copolymerizing the oligomers with the excess dihalo aromatic sulfone in the presence of a sulfur source, yielding a poly(arylene sulfide sulfone) polymer enriched with alkali metal carboxylate. This innovative process results in polymers with improved softening temperature and glass transition temperature, making them particularly useful in demanding high-temperature applications.

Another notable patent of his details the production of arylene sulfide polymer beads. This method employs lithium hydroxide and, optionally, lithium chloride or lithium acetate, which is combined with N-methyl-pyrrolidone in the presence of lithium halide. This reaction produces a mixture containing lithium N-methyl-4-aminobutyrate. The mixture is then treated with hydrogen sulfide and polyhalo aromatic compounds, leading to the formation of a polymer. A significant aspect of this process is the recovery and recycling of lithium halide produced as a by-product back into lithium hydroxide for continuous use.

Career Highlights

Edmonds has had a prominent career at Phillips Petroleum Company, where his research and development work has resulted in numerous innovations. His expertise in polymer chemistry has enabled him to lead projects that push the boundaries of material science, particularly in high-performance applications.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Edmonds has worked alongside talented colleagues, including Robert W. Campbell and Lacey E. Scoggins. These collaborations have fostered a creative environment for developing new ideas and advancing their collective research efforts in polymer technology.

Conclusion

James T. Edmonds, Jr. stands out as a key figure in the realm of polymer innovations. His impressive array of patents reflects his dedication to enhancing the properties of materials used in extreme conditions, highlighting the significant impact of his work in the industry. Through his contributions, Edmonds continues to inspire future generations of inventors and innovators in the field of materials science.