Novel Applications of Catechol Adhesives

Catechol chemistry has been used by marine mussels  for over 100 million years to bind instantly underwater.   Synthetic catechol polymers like polydopamine and poly (catechol-styrene) have been developed and proven to be useful for literally thousands of applications.  Reducing the cost of these materials while proving their utility on a wide range materials has been an ongoing effort for the past 20 years.  Catechols are now commercially available and are being used as adhesives in wet environments, to make other adhesives stronger in both dry and wet environments, as anti-corrosives, and in a wide range of biomedical applications to name just a few.   Learn how catechol chemistry can solve some of your most challenging adhesion issues.

Objectives: 

1. Mechanisms of Catechol adhesion
2. Catechol Polymer development, polydopamine, poly (catechol styrene)
3. Catechol synthesis
4. Uses with supporting data catechol adhesion, adhesion promotion, sealant, anti-corrosion
5. Platform technology and commercialization challenges

Agenda:

1. Naturally occurring catechols
2. Binding mechanisms
3. Data for adhesion and adhesion promotion on a range of materials (composites, metals, etc)
4. Wet adhesion – underwater and wet tissue
5. Platform technology extensions to Li Batteries, Anti-corrosion and other applications

George Boyajian
Chief Executive Officer, Mussel Polymers, Inc.

George Boyajian is a technology executive with over 25 years experience, specializing in commercializing breakthrough technologies. He launched and headed PhytoWorks, Living Independently Group, and TurnPointMedical Devices, among others.  As Managing Director of Columbia Digital Knowledge Ventures, he helped launch Columbia University's digital asset commercialization venture.  Most recently he was Chief Commercial Officer of Primus Green Energy. Prior to his business career, he was an assistant professor at the Univ. of Pennsylvania and holds a PhD from the University of Chicago and a BA from U. Penn.  

Jason Stieg
Chief Business ​Development Officer

Jason Stieg is a technology executive with 18 years of experience. He began as an engineer with Dow Chemical, then a Sales Manager at PAS, Inc. After securing a global licensing agreement with Chevron, he was promoted to Managing Director of EMEA. Jason has held leadership roles with Honeywell and Yokogawa, and was the Global Sales Director for Primus Green Energy. Jason left PGE to assume the role of Managing Director for PSU’s Smeal College of Business EMBA Program. He holds a B.S. and M.S. in Chemical. Eng. from Carnegie Mellon Univ., and an MBA from PSU’s Smeal College of Business.