Roger A Lovald

Title: **Roger A. Lovald: Innovator in Polyamide and Printing Ink Technologies**

Introduction

Roger A. Lovald, an accomplished inventor based in Amery, Wisconsin, has made significant contributions to the fields of polyamide production and flexible packaging printing inks. With a total of four patents to his name, Lovald's innovations demonstrate his commitment to advancing material science and technology.

Latest Patents

Among his latest inventions are two notable patents. The first patent, titled "Process for the preparation of polyamides," outlines a method that involves several key steps. It begins with reacting a soybean oil condensate, which is created from refined soybean oil, with a C1-4 alkanol in the presence of a zinc oxide catalyst. This reaction converts free fatty acids and glyceride esters into fatty acid C1-4 alkyl esters. The process further includes removing excess alkanol and other by-products before heating the mixture under vacuum to obtain a distillate rich in these esters. The invention ultimately allows for the separation of fatty acid fractions and their subsequent dimerization and reaction with polyamines.

The second patent focuses on "Printing inks and related laminates and processes." It describes a flexible packaging printing ink formulated from a resin binder, which might be an alcohol-soluble polyamide or a water-dispersible polyacrylate. The ink composition also includes pigments and solvents, alongside an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant. A method for preparing polyamide resin through condensation with a dibasic acid and diamine mixtures is also detailed, highlighting their usability as binders in flexible packaging laminating ink compositions.

Career Highlights

Roger A. Lovald's professional journey is marked by his role at Henkel Corporation, a globally recognized leader in consumer and industrial products. His contributions to innovation and product development have significantly impacted the company’s offerings, particularly in sustainable and efficient packaging solutions.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Lovald has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Dwight E. Peerman and H. Gordon Kanten. This teamwork has fostered an environment of creativity, resulting in innovative solutions and advancements in their respective fields.

Conclusion

Roger A. Lovald stands out as a passionate inventor dedicated to enhancing materials science through his patents. His work not only contributes to the advancement of polyamide and printing ink technologies but also embodies the spirit of innovation that drives progress in various industries. As he continues to push the boundaries of what's possible, Lovald's legacy as an inventor is sure to endure.