Evonik Wins PFA Herman Stone Award for Second Consecutive Time

Jane Kniss, foam chemist at Evonik Comfort & Insulation, has received the prestigious Dr. Herman Stone Award for Technical Excellence from the Polyurethane Foam Association (PFA) at its annual Fall Meeting for the second year running. Held online for the first time, the November meeting attracted more than 100 executives from foam producers, chemical suppliers, and other companies supporting the industry, participating in a full technical program.   The paper, selected as "Best Presentation" by attendees, highlights Evonik's comfort foam team's work in overcoming the challenge of achieving efficient gel catalysis even in higher-density, viscoelastic foams. Higher-density foams, particularly viscoelastic foams, often lack appropriate cure profiles to prevent processing delays and manufacturing issues, typically requiring complementary use of reactive, tertiary amines. Kniss's winning paper stands out in this prestigious field by demonstrating how Evonik's latest non-emissive amine catalysts deliver the catalytic performance that the flexible sheet-stock polyurethane foam industry needs to produce high-performance viscoelastic foams. Bill Gollnitz, PFA Past President and Moderator of the Technical Program, said: "It is remarkable to have a complete technical program and strong presentations even in a pandemic. I congratulate Jane Kniss on receiving the Herman Stone Award for the second consecutive year."