HIST 8 |
| This paper will document the first-person story of the research career of Edith Flanigen, who attained international prominence for her work in the fields of silicate chemistry and the chemistry of zeolites and molecular sieve materials. Her accomplishments include synthesizing new molecular sieve materials for application as adsorbents and catalysts; inventing the hydrothermal emerald synthesis process; and pioneering the use of mid-range infrared spectroscopy for interpreting zeolite structures. She led the Union Carbide Research Group that discovered new generations of molecular sieve materials in the late 70's and 80's, including families of aluminophosphates, silicoaluminophosphates, and other novel molecular sieves. Flanigen has authored or co-authored over 36 publications and has been granted 108 U.S. patents. She attributes her success as an industrial scientist and an inventor to a number of key factors: a creative and exciting research environment; a supportive research and business management focused on discovery and innovation; an aggressive patent strategy and support team; research colleagues of the highest caliber and creativity; a team approach to research; hard work; and a little bit of luck. |
|
Women Chemists in the National Inventors' Hall of Fame: Telling Their Stories
1:30 PM-4:45 PM, Sunday, April 6, 2008 Marriott Convention Center -- Fulton, Oral
Division of the History of Chemistry |