OMNOVA announces its 2008 Technology Award recipients

15 Jul '09

5 min read

Improved Wet Strength Carpet Binding System

Chris Wilkey - Calhoun, GA
Mike Chastain - Calhoun, GA
Jim Mealor - Calhoun, GA
Mark Messerly - Akron, OH

In carpet backings, the styrene butadiene latex emulsion is the binder that holds everything together. This team successfully developed GenCal 7555 latex, which features significantly improved wet strength for the residential and commercial markets. This new latex emulsion also exhibits a unique ability to disperse calcium carbonate filler quicker and with less effort, which increases the dry and wet tensile strengths of the carpet, including tuft binds - a critical end use feature valued by carpet chemical customers.

Styrene Butadiene (SB) Latexes for Oil and Gas Drilling

Tim Saddow - Chester, SC
John Westerman - Akron, OH
Norm Porter - Akron, OH

This cross-functional team transitioned OMNOVA's core strength in styrene butadiene (SB) latex technology to improve the performance of oilfield and gas drilling cements and muds. The GenCeal 8100 series of SB latexes was developed by incorporating patented innovations into the Company's emulsion polymer process, which enable these products to meet the needs of this demanding application.

Water Purification and Usage Reductions (Green Bay, WI)

Mark Pomush - Green Bay, WI
Greg Cady - Green Bay, WI
Laurie Lemerond - Green Bay, WI
Leslie Van Dreel - Green Bay, WI
Victor Menting - Green Bay, WI

Because high-purity water is critical for obtaining the desired physical properties and consistent, high quality of OMNOVA's products, this team at the Company's Green Bay, Wisconsin Performance Chemicals facility led an effort to enhance the plant's water processing capability with a new reverse osmosis water purification system. This new system reduced the plant's total water usage by approximately 34% and allows process water to be recycled back into production.

PVC/Textile Separation and Recycling (Columbus, MS)

Tony Warrington - Columbus, MS
David Johnson - Columbus, MS
Larry Lagrone - Columbus, MS
Anthony Nix - Columbus, MS

This multifunctional team at OMNOVA's Columbus, Mississippi Decorative Products facility identified a method for expanding its ability to reuse process scrap in its manufacturing process. This breakthrough has not only allowed OMNOVA to reduce its production costs, but from a sustainability perspective, has significantly reduced its landfill requirements.

ECORE Advanced Wall Technology

Ronnie Bell - Columbus, MS
Rob Moore - Columbus, MS
Otis Allen - Columbus, MS
Reba Ingram - Columbus, MS
Barry Goldslager - Akron, OH

This cross-functional team developed OMNOVA's revolutionary ECORE Advanced Wall Technology, which features a unique textile construction and printing technology. ECORE products deliver all the performance characteristics of traditional Type II vinyl wallcoverings, as well as the exceptional style and design OMNOVA customers have come to know, in a non-PVC platform. These wallcoverings are 100% recyclable through OMNOVA's reclamation program established for building managers and contractors following redesign projects.

Polyurethane Bonded Leather Process and Products

John Zhao - Shanghai, China
Sunny Ho - Shanghai, China
Rocky Song - Shanghai, China
Lisa Li - Shanghai, China
Zilu Gu - Shanghai, China

The OMNOVA Decorative Products China team developed a new residential upholstery, which features an enhanced genuine leather look and feel. The cost-effective construction meets the stringent performance requirements established by the customer. This new polyurethane upholstery is currently being utilized in a number of residential and commercial furniture applications.

OMNOVA Solutions

More OMNOVA Solutions Inc News... More Textiles News - United States Of America...