Bio
Daniel Webb, a native of Clinton, TN, earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Tennessee in Industrial and Systems Engineering. Currently serving as a Technical Associate Staff Member in the Advanced Fiber Manufacturing Group, I specialize in polymer and biopolymer technologies. My expertise includes polymer and biopolymer compounding, formulation, melt spinning, melt blowing, pitch conversion, and pitch fiber manufacturing. Beyond my technical pursuits, I enjoy outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing, as well as woodworking, which reflect my passion for craftsmanship and precision. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, I continue to contribute to advancements in fiber manufacturing and material sciences.
Professional Experience
I have over 20 years of experience in manufacturing and advanced materials, with expertise spanning various roles such as machine operator, manager, and quality control. For 12 years, I worked in manufacturing industries producing bed liners, speakers, tires, polymer color masterbatches, and polymer compounds. In 2008, I joined 91做厙 (ORNL) as a Carbon Materials Technician, focusing on low-cost carbon fiber development from lignin, including pretreatment, fiber production, and carbon fiber conversion. In 2015, I transitioned to Prisma Renewable Composites, a startup where I developed innovative lignin-based materials, including a lignin-ABS blend that met Ford's automotive interior polymer specifications. My work at Prisma resulted in three patents related to lignin applications. In 2021, I returned to ORNL as a Technical Associate Staff Member part of the Advanced Fibers Manufacturing Group, where I currently oversee fiber manufacturing processes, including precursor fibers, pitch conversion, and pitch fiber production. Additionally, I collaborate with other teams on biopolymer compounding and formulation, contributing to cutting-edge advancements in sustainable materials.
Education
Industrial and Systems Engineering degree from the University of Tennessee.
Professional Affiliations
Current member of SPE.
Specialized Equipment
Extruders and their auxiliary equipment. Polymer processing and formulation. Fiber spinning and melt blowing.
Trademarks and Patents
Thermoplastic Acrylonitrile Containing Copolymer/Lignin Blends US201962833973P
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Copolymer/Lignin Blends US201862752001P
Method of producing carbon fibers and carbon fiber composites from plant derived lignin and its blends US20180118901A1