Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2017-2023
Title: Wilma Gorman: Innovator in Fatty Alcohol Derivative Technologies
Introduction
Wilma Gorman, an accomplished inventor based in Park Ridge, Illinois, has made significant contributions to the field of chemical engineering with a focus on fatty alcohol derivatives. With a total of nine patents to her name, she has advanced the understanding and utilization of these compounds in various industries through her innovative research and development efforts.
Latest Patents
Gorman's latest patents revolve around unsaturated fatty alcohol derivatives derived from natural oil metathesis. One of her noteworthy inventions includes processes for creating sulfate and sulfonate derivatives of unsaturated fatty alcohols. The method involves reducing metathesis-derived monounsaturated alkyl esters to create a monounsaturated fatty alcohol composition. This composition can then be transformed into a sulfate or sulfonate derivative using various processes such as alkoxylation, sulfation, sulfonation, and sulfitation. Particularly intriguing are the sulfate compositions that contain a combination of primary alcohol sulfates and secondary hydroxyalkyl primary alcohol sulfates. These derivatives have valuable applications in agriculture as dispersants, water-soluble herbicides, and in products like laundry detergents, personal cleansers, and specialty foams.
Another significant patent focuses on surfactant compositions comprising an alkoxylate, sulfate, or ether sulfate derived from C-C monounsaturated alcohols. Gorman’s formulations, particularly those based on undecylenic acid or undecylenic alcohol, demonstrate reduced irritation compared to saturated analogs and exhibit favorable phase behavior, making them suitable for personal care, cleaning, and agricultural applications.
Career Highlights
Gorman has successfully developed innovative solutions that are less irritating and possess improved solubility properties, enhancing their application potential across different sectors. Her work has broadened opportunities for crafting products that can meet high active level formulations without compromising performance. As a patent holder with valuable technological advancements, she continues to represent the forefront of research in her field.
Collaborations
At Stepan Company, Gorman has collaborated with noted professionals like Ronald Anthony Masters and Aaron Brown. Their combined expertise helps propel advancements and ensure the practical application of her inventions across various industries, including personal care, cleaning, and agricultural products. This teamwork not only facilitates the exploration of new formulations but also emphasizes the importance of collaboration in the realm of innovation.
Conclusion
Wilma Gorman stands out as a prominent inventor whose contributions to fatty alcohol derivatives have significant implications for numerous industries. With a growing patent portfolio and a focus on innovation at Stepan Company, Gorman is set to make lasting impacts through her work. Her research is an inspiration for future inventors and serves as an integral part of advancements in the field of chemical engineering.