Research & Development
Staff Report

Citing the heritage of innovation in the Research and Development (R&D) function that dates back more than 100 years, R. M. (Rick) Gross, corporate vice president of R&D for The Dow Chemical Company, discussed his vision for the future during the "Spring Science and Technology Meeting" held at Dow recently.

The conference has been an annual event at Dow for more than 25 years and is part of Dow’s tradition as a knowledge-based science and technology company. More than 1,000 Dow people attended the meeting to discuss the latest breakthroughs in chemistry and inspected posters on various research projects.

The R&D function continues to work at identifying opportunities that both contribute to what is essential for human progress for people around the world and adds to Dow’s financial goals.  "These objectives are not mutually exclusive," Gross said.  "There are enormous gains for humanity in medicine, transportation and computing that have already come from the research work done by the people here at Dow and there are still more to come in the immediate future."

SiLK resins for the computer manufacturing industry are an example of this type of scientific breakthrough.  SiLK is a unique polymer that insulates the minute circuitry of microchips better than other existing materials. Improved insulation allows for smaller microchips, and ultimately better and faster electronic equipment of all types.  "This shows how we can take new chemistry from the lab and apply it in the real world in very short order," Gross said.

Another example is OXO chemistry previously developed at Union Carbide. OXO is a process that converts olefins with synthesis gas into alcohols and acids that are used for coatings and plastics.  Olefins are used in products like plastics, fiber for apparel, automotive interior fabrics, home furnishings, indoor and outdoor carpets, carpet backing, wall coverings, furniture and ...

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