Thomas J Hairston

Title: Innovations of Thomas J Hairston

Introduction

Thomas J Hairston is a notable inventor based in Lake Jackson, TX (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of epoxy resins, holding a total of 4 patents. His work focuses on enhancing the performance of epoxy resins through innovative methods.

Latest Patents

One of Hairston's latest patents is a method to increase the level of .alpha.-glycol in liquid epoxy resin. This process enhances the performance of epoxy resins in various end-uses by hydrolyzing epoxy groups into .alpha.-glycol groups. The method involves reacting a mixture of liquid epoxy resin and water at elevated temperatures, specifically between 130°C and 200°C. The reaction mixture contains between 0.5 and 10 parts water per 100 parts resin by weight, and it is characterized by the absence of solvents or catalysts, making the resulting resin easy to clean up. Another significant patent involves a catalyst for reacting phenolic hydroxyl groups with epoxy groups. This catalyst is derived from treating a solid substrate with a polymer containing quaternary onium cations, which helps reduce side reactions during the process.

Career Highlights

Hairston is currently employed at The Dow Chemical Company, where he continues to innovate in the field of epoxy resins. His work has been instrumental in developing new methods that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of resin applications.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Hairston has collaborated with several talented individuals, including Georgia A Monnerat and George E Ham. These collaborations have contributed to the advancement of his research and the successful development of his patents.

Conclusion

Thomas J Hairston is a distinguished inventor whose work in epoxy resins has led to significant advancements in the industry. His innovative methods and collaborative efforts continue to shape the future of resin technology.