CARY, NC – October 20, 2004 – Dr. Michael Morman, a prolific inventor for consumer products giant Kimberly-Clark, was recently presented with the prestigious Lifetime Technical Achievement Award from INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry.
Morman retired this year after a 28-year career as a researcher at K-C, most recently with the title Principal Research Fellow. He is credited with 289 invention disclosures, 63 issued patents and more than 20 applications currently in prosecution. His work focuses on spunbond, meltblown, and elastomeric processes and materials as well as an array of absorbent material concepts and product designs.
The INDA Lifetime Technical Achievement Award recognizes contributions that have enhanced the nonwovens industry. It is one of the most important technical awards an individual can receive. It was presented during the International Nonwovens Technical Conference in Toronto, Canada, September 20-23.
“Twenty-eight years of challenge, fun, and satisfaction, capped with a Lifetime Achievement Award from INDA – It doesn’t get any better than this!” Morman said as he accepted the award.
Morman, 59, received his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin in 1969. He earned his Doctorate in Chemical Engineering from Rice University in 1973, working with Baylor College of Medicine on the Artificial Heart Project under a National Institutes of Health research grant. He then served as Captain in the US Army.
He is planning to join the University of Tennessee as Adjunct Professor, conducting research at TANDEC, the University’s Textiles and Nonwovens Development Center. In addition, he will provide private consulting services to the industry.
Among Morman’s accomplishments:
- Invented and developed the spunbond slot-draw process that has been commercialized by Kimberly-Clark at multiple manufacturing locations and later licensed to a global equipment manufacturer.
- Invented and developed the elastomeric meltblown process and material that led to the development of K-C’s Pull-ups® Training Pants.
- Invented and developed cross-directional extendable spunbond and spunbond/film laminate materials which were commercialized in K-C’s Huggies Supreme® diaper and Huggies Convertibles® diaper/pant in 2002-2003.
- Invented and developed two-way extendable/elastic nonwoven laminate materials which may be commercialized in the future.
