CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio–Industry veteran Walter Waddell was awarded with the Harold Herzlich Distinguished Technology Achievement Medal during a virtual presentation Sept. 11 during the International Tire Exhibition & Conference.
The medal is given by Rubber & Plastics News in honor of Harold Herzlich, who had a long career in the tire industry at Armstrong and Pirelli. He then was longtime technical editor of RPN and was conference program chair for ITEC.
Waddell has been in the tire and rubber industry for more than 35 years. He was an associate professor of chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University; a section head in research at Goodyear; a senior scientist for silica research and development at PPG Industries; and a senior research associate in specialty Polymers Technology at ExxonMobil Chemical.
After retiring from ExxonMobil, he was a senior technology coordinator for Cheng Shin Rubber Industrial Co. Ltd. from 2015-18. He currently serves as a consultant for Oriental Silicas Corp. and Smithers; is an adjunct professor at Beijing University of Chemical Technology; and has been conference co-chair for ITEC since 2015.
"In reinforcing silica technology, butyl polymer applications and tire aging, he is recognized as a worldwide expert," Syed Mowdood, retired from Pirelli, said in nominating Waddell for the Herzlich Medal.
Mowdood added that Waddell's accomplishments specific to the tire industry include tire aging and protection; tire air retention and its impact on durability; rolling resistance and vehicle fuel economy; and many others.
As part of the ceremony, Waddell gave a technical presentation titled "Factors Influencing Silica's Effectiveness in a Passenger Car Radial Tire Tread."
ITEC 2020 Virtual Edition is organized by Rubber & Plastics News and continues until Sept. 18 with daily technical talks, Ask the Experts sessions, panel discussions and networking opportunities. Registration still is available at itec-tireshow.com.