AKRON—William J. VanOoij, retired professor of materials science at the University of Cincinnati, has won the 2010 ITEC Distinguished Technology Achievement medal.
The award was created to recognize a recipient whose contribution of pioneering research in tire construction, tread design and manufacturing, coupled with engineering and materials innovations, have significantly contributed to the betterment of society, safety of transportation and global tire technology, according to Harold Herzlich, chairman of the International Tire Exhibition & Conference.
Rubber & Plastics News is the organizer of ITEC, joined this year by Tire Business.
VanOoij—who this spring received the ACS Rubber Division's Melvin Mooney Award for teaching—mentored 45 master's and doctoral candidates during his time at UC. He has formed a company, ECOSIL Technologies L.L.C., to commercialize a number of patented silane applications that hold promise in tire cord adhesion applications.
Herzlich said VanOoij was selected based upon his many productive years and positions in both academia and industry in both Europe and the U.S. VanOoij will give a lecture, titled “My Adventure Into Steel Adhesion,” after he receives his award.
The award and his presentation are covered by the registration fee, $50 for participants from tire manufacturing facilities and independent tire distributors, and $200 for suppliers to the tire industry.
For more information, visit www.itec-tireshow.com.