Michael Fechtmann

Title: Michael Fechtmann and Oil-Selective Open-Cell Foam.

Introduction

Michael Fechtmann is an inventor associated with Princeton, New Jersey, and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. His patent work addresses a material designed to absorb oil from water, with potential use in maritime spill cleanup.

Latest Patents

Fechtmann is credited with 1 patent: “Open-cell foam for the selective absorption of oil from water.” The patent describes a process for making microporous, open-cell foam with a hierarchical structure from a foamable liquid polymer, a curing agent, a blowing agent, and a filler that modifies viscosity.

By selecting suitable materials, the process produces hydrophobic foam that can absorb low-surface-tension liquids, such as hydrocarbon oils, while rejecting high-surface-tension liquids, such as water. The invention identifies maritime oil-spill cleanup as a potential application.

Career Highlights

Fechtmann’s listed patent highlights research into polymer foam fabrication and selective liquid absorption. The invention combines material composition and foam structure to target oil recovery from water.

Collaborations

Shahab Shojaei-Zadeh is identified as Fechtmann’s coworker. The available information does not specify their roles in developing the patented foam.

Conclusion

Michael Fechtmann’s patent presents a hydrophobic, open-cell foam designed to selectively absorb hydrocarbon oils while repelling water, with potential relevance to maritime spill response.