You might not think twice about the spray foam insulation used in your home construction, but chemists like Mary Bogdan are fascinated with the science behind the solution that plays a major role in protecting your home, buildings or other structures. from external elements.
Bogdan is a senior principal scientist based at our global research and development facility in Buffalo, New York. A #futureshaper since 1989, Bogdan holds more than 30 United States patents and her contributions are present worldwide in the form of blowing agent technology.
Blowing agents expand the spray foam so that the foam can function as a thermal, air and moisture barrier where it is applied.
Historically, blowing agents have been made from chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that contribute to the ozone layer. Over time, environmental and government regulations have phased out the use of CFCs as well as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), licensed as our Solstice® line of low global warming potential solutions, are the latest innovation in fluorine technology.
Bogdan was recently awarded the Distinguished Leadership Award by the American Chemistry Council’s Center for the Polyurethane Industry, which recognizes individuals who have provided outstanding leadership and advanced the center’s goals and interests for the industry. Bogdan has published numerous technical articles on the development and use of fluorocarbons and has worked with center committees to develop technical guidelines for product care and educational and training materials on spray foam.
We caught up with Bogdan to discuss her career and advice for aspiring inventors:
Bogdan’s lifelong love of science led him to study chemistry and biochemistry in college. After completing her undergraduate degree, she conducted cancer research.
“I loved being a ‘lab’, taking things apart and being an analytical chemist,” she said.
Bogdan then worked in manufacturing and research and development at a manufacturing plant, which led her to Honeywell (then Allied Signal’s predecessor company), where she has held multiple research and development roles in our global blowing agent business. fluoride products.
For Bogdan, the innovation process often involves analyzing products coming off a production line, running tests to understand how to use less product for better environmental and customer outcomes, and visiting locations around the world to see how the products are applied in different environments and regions.
Bogdan’s first patent was the blowing agent HFC-245fa, which served as a non-ozone-depleting, near-depleting replacement for HCFC-141b and preceded the development of Solstice® low global warming potential liquid blowing agent . or HFO-1233zd(E).
Bogdan said earning patents is all about the “aha moment,” and she recalled that with her first patented invention, that moment was discovering a more cost-effective blowing agent for customers.
“We were able to find a way to allow people to use about 30% less blowing agent and get the same insulation result,” Bogdan said.
From mentors and teammates to product users who have shared the impact her inventions have had on their lives, Bogdan said the people and relationships are among the best parts of her career.
“One of the things I’ve found most humbling is thinking about the number of people I’ve worked with over the years. When you work as a team, they become like a family,” she said.
Her advice to early-career scientists: Don’t limit yourself.
Bogdan received her Masters in Business Administration, which she credits with helping her understand the connection between technology and the commercial aspects of a business.
“I was really interested not only in chemistry and how things worked, but also in business discussions. I studied finance and organizational behavior to better understand how to support and work with people on our cross-functional team,” said Bogdan.
She encourages anyone in science – especially women – to be vocal about their professions with others.
“Talk to your families about what you do. Get involved in your community and share what you do,” Bogdan said. “You never know where another idea is going to come from, or who is going to hear from you and think, ‘That sounds cool—maybe I’ll try it.’
