Peter McFadden

Title: Innovations by Peter McFadden

Introduction

Peter McFadden is an accomplished inventor based in Tucson, AZ. He has made significant contributions to the field of epoxy adhesives, holding 2 patents that showcase his innovative approach to material science. His work primarily focuses on enhancing the properties of epoxy materials for various applications.

Latest Patents

One of McFadden's latest patents is for Coumarin-modified epoxy adhesives. This invention allows epoxy adhesives to fluoresce under short wave ultraviolet irradiation while remaining invisible under normal light. The modification not only enhances the visibility of the adhesive under specific conditions but also increases adhesive bond strengths. Additionally, the photochemical curing process of the epoxy modified with coumarin and a hardening agent using UV irradiation at certain wavelengths results in a unique epoxy adhesive composition. Further UV irradiation can induce photoscission, breaking the crosslinks that render the cured epoxy adhesive insoluble and intractable.

Another notable patent involves the method of forming a robust network of epoxy material through a Diels-Alder reaction. This process describes the preparation of thermally reworkable epoxy resins by reacting a maleimide component with an electron donating component that has a furan ring attached to an epoxy ether. The resulting epoxy component can be cured with various diamines to create a robust epoxy network. This material serves as a reversible thermoset and adhesive, which can be reprocessed by heating at 90°C in a retro Diels-Alder fashion to regenerate the original components.

Career Highlights

Peter McFadden is affiliated with the University of Arizona, where he continues to advance his research in epoxy materials. His innovative work has positioned him as a key figure in the development of advanced adhesive technologies.

Collaborations

Some of his notable coworkers include Douglas A. Loy and Pamela B. Vandiver, who have collaborated with him on various projects related to epoxy materials and their applications.

Conclusion

Peter McFadden's contributions to the field of epoxy adhesives demonstrate his commitment to innovation and material science. His patents reflect a deep understanding of chemical processes and their practical applications, making him a valuable asset in the realm of adhesive technology.