Susan M Pierik

Title: The Innovations of Susan M. Pierik in High-Temperature Glass Fiber Production

Introduction

Susan M. Pierik is an accomplished inventor based in Shawnee Hills, Ohio, known for her significant contributions to the field of glass fiber materials. With a total of two patents to her name, she has made substantial strides in developing technologies that enhance the production of high-temperature stable glass and glass fibers.

Latest Patents

One of Susan's notable inventions is the "Continuous in-line system for producing high temperature glass fiber materials". This invention introduces an innovative in-line process designed for the production of high-temperature stable glass. A unique sizing composition is utilized to minimize plasticizing between the resinous matrix and the glass fibers, resulting in improved performance. This system employs a melter or furnace apparatus, featuring a top charging and melting section alongside an intermediate flow regulator section equipped with a baffle system to optimize the heat distribution across the molten glass. The bushing of this apparatus has an enlarged design that allows for the drawing of a significantly increased number of glass fibers simultaneously. The resultant fibers exhibit minimal catenary, enabling them to be wound into tightly wrapped packages with a uniform exterior diameter. These high-strength, high-silica fibers are advantageous for use in filament-winding, pultrusion, and weaving processes.

In her second patent, "Tip-plate thermocouple", she developed a glass-fiber bushing that includes a bottom tip-plate enclosed by side walls, which form a container for molten glass. The bottom tip-plate is designed with multiple tips to allow the molten glass to flow through, resulting in a multitude of individual molten glass streams from which glass fibers can be formed. This bushing also features a tip-plate thermocouple, consisting of a platinum tube housing with thermocouple wires that terminate in a weld junction, allowing precise temperature measurement directly at the tip-plate surface.

Career Highlights

Susan M. Pierik is affiliated with Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc., a company renowned for its innovations in composite materials and glass fiber technology. Her work at Owens Corning emphasizes her dedication to enhancing technical processes and materials in the glass fiber industry, leading to advancements that can be adopted in various manufacturing sectors.

Collaborations

Throughout her career, Susan has collaborated with fellow innovators, including David R. Hartman and William C. Brady. These partnerships have facilitated a dynamic exchange of ideas, fostering an environment where innovative solutions can thrive.

Conclusion

Susan M. Pierik's innovative contributions to high-temperature glass fiber production have paved the way for advancements in this crucial industry. Through her patents and collaborative efforts, she continues to play an essential role in driving innovation in materials science, which promises to impact various applications across multiple sectors significantly.