Dow scientist recognized for breakthrough

Edmund M. Carnahan will be honored for his discovery of a route for the catalytic synthesis of olefin-block copolymers by receiving the Society of Chemical Industry’s 2008 SCI Gordon E. Moore Medal. The award recognizes early success in innovation, as reflected in both market impact and improvement to the quality of life. Carnahan, a 10-year Dow Chemical Co. scientist in Freeport, TX, was given the award at the Sept. 18 Innovation Day ceremony at Chemical Heritage Foundation (Philadelphia, PA).

Dow has amplified and commercially implemented Carnahan’s process to produce a new material, Infuse olefin block copolymers. The polymerization process enables Infuse to retain its elasticity in high-temperature conditions in a number of applications, including injection molding, according to Dow.