Rodney Layne Piner

Title: The Innovations of Rodney Layne Piner

Introduction

Rodney Layne Piner is a prominent inventor based in Kingsport, TN, whose contributions to the field of material science have earned him a total of 12 patents. With a strong background in polymer technology, Piner has developed innovative solutions that enhance the properties and applications of polyester materials.

Latest Patents

Among his latest patents, Rodney Piner has made significant advancements in polyester blends, particularly in improving stress whitening behavior for film and sheet applications. His innovations involve creating polyester blends from a base polyester with a crystallization half-time of at least 5 minutes combined with a polyester elastomer. These blends can be extruded or calendered in the presence of release additives to produce high-quality film or sheet materials. Furthermore, his work includes the integration of plasticizers and flame retardants to enhance flexibility and usability in commercial settings that demand flame resistance.

Additionally, Piner has patented high clarity films produced from semicrystalline polyesters through calendering processes. These films demonstrate unexpectedly high peak melting points, translating to superior thermal resistance. When oriented, these calendered films also exhibit remarkable physical strength and clarity compared to those formed using traditional techniques. Some of these semicrystalline polyesters have the added benefit of being biodegradable, underscoring Piner's commitment to sustainable development.

Career Highlights

Piner's career is marked by his tenure at renowned companies such as Eastman Chemical Company, where he honed his expertise in polymer sciences and materials engineering. His dedication to innovation in this field has led him to contribute significantly to advancements in polyester applications.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Rodney Piner has collaborated with notable professionals, including Jack Wesley Trexler, Jr. and Robert Boyd Barbee. These collaborations have further enriched the development and commercialization of his inventions, fostering a spirit of teamwork and innovation.

Conclusion

Rodney Layne Piner stands out as a key figure in the world of material science innovation. His patents not only demonstrate his creativity and ingenuity but also his commitment to advancing technology in environmentally friendly ways. With his valuable contributions to polyester blends and film applications, Piner continues to influence the industry and inspire future inventors.