Refrigerant
DuPont Scientists Honored for Inventing CFC Alternatives
By goHTSN Staff
Sep 30, 2006, 18:17

Wilmington, DE, Sept. 8, 2006 – Twenty years after international scientists determined that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were impacting the ozone layer, three DuPont scientists are being recognized for their invention of non-ozone-depleting alternatives.

The Heroes of Chemistry awards will be presented by the American Chemical Society (ACS) in San Francisco, Calif., on Sept. 10. ACS is the world’s largest scientific society.

The three DuPont scientists are: Donald B. Bivens, Ph.D., a former process engineer and research scientist at DuPont and now a consultant for the company; Mark B. Shiflett, Ph.D., a research associate; and Akimichi "Michi" Yokozeki, Ph.D., a process engineer and research scientist.

“DuPont was the first company to develop and commercialize CFC alternatives with the introduction of Suva® refrigerants, based on hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) technology, and we more recently expanded the portfolio with DuPont® ISCEON® 9 Series refrigerants, which are HFC blends ideal for retrofit applications,” said Mark Baunchalk, global business manager, DuPont Refrigerants. “It’s a key part of the vision we call ‘the science of cool’ to create more sustainable solutions for refrigeration and air conditioning worldwide. DuPont continues to lead the industry in the development of next generation refrigerants, with far lower global warming potential than the CFC alternatives.”

The three DuPont scientists to be honored are among 24 research chemists from six companies, named as “chemical innovators whose work has led to the welfare and progress of humanity” in a significant way in the past decade. Individuals are nominated by their companies and the winners are chosen by an ACS panel in recognition of industrial work that has led to the successful development and commercialization of key products.

“DuPont scientists have one of the world's best track records for creating unique innovations that address important societal needs,” said, Thierry Vanlancker, global business director, DuPont Fluoroproducts. “By developing user friendly refrigerant blends, this team carried on that great tradition. We are grateful to the ACS for the recognition they are giving these great scientists.”

According to ACS President E. Ann Nalley, Ph.D.: “Heroes save lives and change them for the better. This year’s Heroes of Chemistry have improved our lives through their inventions. We at ACS celebrate them and the corporate management that supports innovations that bring the benefits of chemistry to us all, every day.”

The Heroes of Chemistry program, started in 1996 by the ACS, honors industrial chemists and chemical engineers who create commercially successful products that improve the quality of life.

DuPont has the broadest portfolio of refrigerants in the industry, with more than two dozen products marketed under the brands Suva® and ISCEON®.

DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.