Jan Willem Van Egmond

Title: Jan Willem Van Egmond: Advancing Additive Manufacturing and Low Ash Content Polyolefins

Introduction:

Jan Willem Van Egmond, a seasoned inventor based in Charleston, WV, has made significant contributions to the fields of additive manufacturing and polymerization processes. With 22 patents to his name, Van Egmond's groundbreaking work has revolutionized these industries. This article will delve into two of his latest patents, highlighting their key aspects and potential applications.

Additive Manufacturing with Fluidized Bed:

One of Van Egmond's recent patents is titled "System, method and apparatus for fluidized bed additive manufacturing." This innovation focuses on the process of additively manufacturing articles with an open porous structure using a fluidized bed approach.

The method describes fluidizing particles with a medium, creating a fluidized bed and subsequently additively manufacturing an article from these particles. The resulting article boasts a multitude of pores, enabling the flow of particles and the medium throughout the structure. By selectively sintering particles at target areas, near the surface of the fluidized bed, the article gains structural integrity.

This novel technique allows for greater design flexibility, as the open porous structure offers diverse applications in various fields, including structural engineering, filtration systems, and biomedical implants. Van Egmond's work paves the way for the development of more efficient and customizable additive manufacturing processes.

Low Ash Content Polyolefins:

Another patent credited to Van Egmond embraces the creation of polyolefins with exceptionally low ash content. The invention presents a polymerization process that yields a polymer containing less than 15 parts per million (ppm) of ash.

The process involves polymerizing olefins, either individually or in combination with copolymerizable comonomers, using a catalytic composition. This composition includes one or more polymerization catalysts along with a mixed external electron donor featuring a selectivity control agent containing silicon-containing compounds. These compounds exhibit C1-C10 alkoxy groups bonded to silicon atoms.

The resulting low ash content polyolefins find applications in industries such as packaging, automotive, and consumer goods. They offer improved mechanical properties, increased purity, and reduced environmental impact.

Innovations in Prominent Companies:

Jan Willem Van Egmond has worked with reputable companies in his field, including W.R. Grace & Co. and Dow Global Technologies LLC. His collaborations have brought forth cutting-edge technologies and furthered the capabilities of additive manufacturing and polymerization processes. Van Egmond's expertise and contributions have undoubtedly enriched these companies' portfolios.

Collaborators:

Throughout his career, Van Egmond has had the privilege of working alongside distinguished colleagues. Notable collaborators include Jeffrey Dale Goad and John Kaarto. Their collective knowledge and expertise have likely played a significant role in shaping the success of their inventions.

Conclusion:

Jan Willem Van Egmond's innovative mindset and expertise have driven advancements in additive manufacturing and polymerization processes. With his patents focusing on fluidized bed additive manufacturing and low ash content polyolefins, his contributions hold substantial promise for various industries. As he continues to explore new frontiers, Van Egmond's work will undoubtedly shape the future of these fields, opening up new possibilities for design, functionality, and sustainability.