Eco Friendly Packaging and Film Consultant Dr. Richard G. Austin
 Blown Film Manufacturing and polyolefin recycling expert Dr. Richard G. Austin
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Dick has over 35 years of chemistry experience, with expertise in areas including catalysis, analytical chemistry, polymer chemistry, problem solving, film extrusion (cast and blown), and surface science. He has plenty of expertise supporting blown film manufacturers. Dr. Austin specializes in biodegradable polymers, product development, eco friendly packaging, processing issues, and film properties. He won Exxon Chemical's President Award for his work to commercialize a PVC replacement film for use in the healthcare industry. His recent work as a consultant was focused on film production, surface science, product development, and packaging applications.
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- Developed new plastic films with anti static properties and improved adhesion
- Presented an important paper on biodegradation of polyolefins at the First International Symposium on Degradable Polymers.
- Developed analytical tools to analyze defects, surface contamination, and reason for peel strength failures at masking customers.
- Represented Exxon on the technical committee of the Council for Solid Waste Solutions, a Washington D.C. - based consortium of resin producers and end users.
- Strong interest in PLA, PHA, PBAT, starch, PBS compostable plastics
- Strong presentation and communication skills on complex subjects
- Excellent problem solving skills
Experience
Private Practice
2009 - Present
Owner/Consultant
1999-2009
Research Advisor
1985-1999
Research Associate, Exxon Chemical Film Division (Polymer Applications Business Unit)
1989-1992
Senior Staff Chemist
Staff Chemist
1983-1985
Staff Chemist
1979-1983
Senior Research Chemist
1977-1979
Research Chemist
Private Practice
2009 - Present
Owner/Consultant
- Consulted in many areas, including surface science, resin selection, product development in films, and problem solving, for five companies.
- Helped to develop films for a variety of purposes, including the conversion of algae to ethanol, polypropylene blown film for the industrial label market, cast film for lamination to substrate for oil cleanup, and packaging applications in healthcare and paper products.
- Continuing interest in compostable plastics including PLA, PHA, PBAT, starch, PBS and their blends.
1999-2009
Research Advisor
- Developed analytical tools to analyze defects, surface contamination, and reason for peel strength failures at masking customers.
- Initiated development of surface science techniques internally and with outside laboratories.
- Introduced and utilized new in-house capabilities to analyze a myriad of "stains", gels, and surface contamination on customer's substrates.
- Developed new films with anti-static properties and improved adhesion.
- Selected and qualified alternate resins for all areas of Tredegar's film business.
- Active member on a number of problem-solving teams throughout Tredegar and with many important customers.
1985-1999
Research Associate, Exxon Chemical Film Division (Polymer Applications Business Unit)
- Set up an analytical lab in Exxon's film division to develop film applications using Exxon's new metallocene-produced polyolefins.
- Developed a new series of blown and cast films for healthcare and packaging based on new polymers.
- Recipient of the Exxon Chemical's President Award for commercializing PVC replacement films for healthcare.
- Developed with a major customer an alternative to Saran, now called Press and Seal.
1989-1992
Senior Staff Chemist
- Expert on the technical issues of plastics in solid waste.
- Presented as requested to customers, interested suppliers, and outside companies.
- Presented an important paper on biodegradation of polyolefins at the First International Symposium on Degradable Polymers.
- Represented Exxonfilm on the technical committee of the Council for Solid Waste Solutions, a Washington D.C. - based consortium of resin producers and end users.
Staff Chemist
- Synthesized new polymers via functionalization of polyolefins in solution and the melt for applications in healthcare and automotive sectors.
- Explored the area of polymer degradability and recycle of polyolefins.
1983-1985
Staff Chemist
- Developed catalytic process for producing ethylene glycol and tertiary butyl alcohol in one step via oxidation of ethylene from lab through pilot line.
- Presented on this subject at both internal and external events.
1979-1983
Senior Research Chemist
- Instrumental in developing catalysts for oxidation of olefins with hydroperoxides and elemental oxygen to generate glycols and with carbon dioxide cyclic carbonates.
- Gave numerous talks internally and became head of Exxon's global catalyst network in oxidation (25 scientists).
- As member on Product Research Group, setup lab and initiated development of homogeneous catalysts for oxidation of olefins selectively to glycols.
1977-1979
Research Chemist
- Developed and patented catalysts for hydroperoxide decomposition and oxidation of olefins to diols in homogeneous catalysis group
Education
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- Post Doctoral Research Fellow, Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Ph.D., Organometallic Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
- M.S., Chemistry (equivalent, no degree), Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio
- B.A., Chemistry, Eastern Baptist College, St. Davids, Pennsylvania
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