Reiko Funato

Title: Reiko Funato: Innovator in Paper-Making Processes

Introduction

Reiko Funato is a notable inventor based in Kanagawa, Japan. She has made significant contributions to the field of paper-making, holding 2 patents that showcase her innovative approaches to improving paper production processes.

Latest Patents

One of her latest patents is a paper-making process that enhances the preparation of paper from a paper stock suspension. This process involves the addition of water-swellable cationic polymer particles, optionally combined with an acrylamide polymer, to improve retention during the paper-making step. The innovation not only stabilizes retention under high shearing forces but also reduces the load for recovering white water and treating wastewater, while minimizing the abrasion of paper-making wires. Another significant patent is a method for treating starch-containing water, which includes adding water-swellable cationic polymerizate particles to soluble starch-containing water. This method utilizes polymer particles derived from a crosslinking monomer and either a cationic vinyl monomer or a combination of cationic and nonionic vinyl monomers.

Career Highlights

Reiko Funato is currently employed at Mitsui-Cyanamid, Ltd., where she continues to develop innovative solutions in her field. Her work has been instrumental in advancing paper-making technologies and improving environmental sustainability in the industry.

Collaborations

Throughout her career, Reiko has collaborated with esteemed colleagues, including Naotaka Watanabe and Hiroshi Itoda. These partnerships have fostered a creative environment that encourages the exchange of ideas and the development of groundbreaking technologies.

Conclusion

Reiko Funato's contributions to the paper-making industry exemplify her commitment to innovation and sustainability. Her patents reflect a deep understanding of the challenges faced in paper production and offer effective solutions that benefit both manufacturers and the environment.