Dr. Kenneth J. Bruza
Expert Consultant
Professional Interests
- Organic synthesis; monomers, polymers, photoactive small molecules
- Fabrication of thermoset resins
- Materials characterization of polymers and composites
- Thermomechanical characterization and development of polymeric materials
- Alternative energy sources; fuel cells and photovoltaic devices
Academic Background
- Post-Doctoral Research with Professor Jules Rebek Jr. at the University of Pittsburgh on ”Molecular Recognition in Small Molecules” (1979-1980)
- Ph.D. Thesis: “Studies of Synthetic Methodology Utilizing Cyclic Vinyl Ethers Directed Toward the Synthesis of A-23187” with Professor Robert K. Boeckman Jr., Wayne State University (1979)
- M.S. Thesis: “The Conjugate Additions of Carbonyl Anion Equivalents via Lithium Diorgano Cuprates to a,B-Unsaturated Substrates” with Professor Robert K. Boeckman Jr., Wayne State University (1976).
- B.A. Wayne State University (1969)
Professional Experience
- 2009 - Present: Consultant, Plastic Failure Labs, Midland, Mich.
- 2004 - 2009: Senior Associate Scientist, Michigan Molecular Institute, Midland Mich.
Ppolymer synthesis and fabrication, toughening of thermoset resins, polymers for membrane applications - 1979 - 2004: Technical Leader in Corporate Central Research Polymer and Organic Synthesis, Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Mich.
Monomer and polymer synthesis, small scale to scale up; commercialization of advanced materials for aerospace and microelectronic applications
Areas of Experience
- Synthesis of molecules for the controlled release of fragrances
- Improved toughness of epoxy resin composites in wind turbine blades
- Preparation of monomers and polymers for use as a fuel cell membrane
- Synthesis of small peptides and oligomeric peptides as antimicrobials
- Preparation of monomers and polymers for polymeric light emitting diodes, specifically focusing upon blue light emitters
- Preparation of low dielectric organic films; partnered with IBM and sponsored by NIST 70NANB8H4013; SiLKTM and CycloteneTM polymers from Dow Chemical Company
- Scale up preparation of PIBO polymers for high performance films
- Preparation of novel benzocyclobutene monomers and polymers under NASA contract NAS-1-18841; High Speed Civilian Transport project with Boeing and McDonnell Douglas sponsored by NASA Langley; advanced high performance structural composites for aerospace applications.
- Epoxy resins, urethanes and polyester syntheses for films and structures
Publications
- R. A. Kirchhoff, K. J. Bruza, Benzocyclobutenes (Diels-Alder Polymerizations), Polmeric Materials Encyclopedia, v.1, 474-484, J. C. Salamone Ed., CRC Press, 1996.
- K. J. Bruza, K. A. Bell, M.T. Bishop, E.P. Woo, Thermoset Resins Based Upon Benzocyclobutene Monomers, Polymer Preprints, 35(1), 373-374 (1994).
- K. J. Bruza, M.T. Bishop, K. A. Bell, E. P. Woo, S. A. Laman, W. M. Lee, Recent Developments in Benzocyclobutene Technology, The Fourth Interdisciplinary Symposium on Recent Advances in Polyimides and Other High Performance Polymers, Division of Polymer Chemistry, American Chemical Society, January 1993.
- R. A. Kirchhoff, K. J. Bruza, Benzocyclobutenes in Polymer Synthesis, CHEMTECH, 22-25, September 1993.
- R. A. Kirchhoff, K. J. Bruza, Benzocyclobutenes in Polymer Synthesis, Prog. In Polym. Sci. 18, 85-185 (1993),
- K. J. Bruza, P. J. Bonk, R. F. Harris, R. A. Kirchhoff, T. M. Stokich Jr., R. L. McGee, R. A. DeVries, Diketone Bis-Benzocyclobutene as a High Performance Matrix Resin, Int. SAMPE Symp. Exhib. 36 (1), 457-468, (1991).
- N. G. Rondan, K. J.Bruza, R. A. Kirchhoff, Mechanism of Electrocyclization of Benzocyclobuten to o-Xylylene: a Theoretical Study, Polymer Preprints, 32 (1), 385-386, (1991).
- R. A. Kirchhoff, K. J. Bruza, C. J. Carriere, N. G. Rondan, R. L. Sammler, Benzocyclobutenes in Polymer Synthesis, Polymer Preprints, 32 (1), 425, (1991).
- R. K.Boeckman Jr., K. J. Bruza, Cyclic Vinyl Ethers II; Preparation and Applications to the Synthesis of Carbonyl Compounds, Tetrahedron, 37 (23), 3997-4006 (1981).
- R. K. Boeckman Jr., K. J. Bruza, Chemistry of Diorganocuprates Containing Functionalized Ligands 2; Methodology for Conjugate Addition of Synthetic Equivalents of Enolates and Acyl Anions, J. Org. Chem. 44 (26) 4781-4788, (1979).
- R. K.Boeckman Jr., K. J. Bruza, G. R. Heinrich, Lewis Acid Induced Cyclization of Vinyl Ether Epoxides; A New Stereospecific Route to Carbocyclic Ketones and Ketolactones, J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 100 (22), 7101=7103, (1978).
- R. K. Boeckman Jr., K. J. Bruza, Cyclic Vinyl Ether Carbanions I. Synthetic Equivalents of B-Acylvinyl and Substituted Acyl Anions, Tett. Lett., (48), 4187-4190 (1977).
- R. K. Boeckman Jr. K. J. Bruza, J. E. Baldwin, O. W. Lever, Copper Ate Complexes of a-Ethoxyvinyllithium. Reagents for Coupling and 1,4-Addition of a Masked Acyl Anion, J. Chem. Soc., Chem Commun., (13), 519-520 (1975).
- R. K. Boeckman Jr., K. J. Bruza, Conjugate Addition of Ditrimethylsilylvinyl Cuprates. Protected Acyl Anion and Enolate Carbanion Equivalents, Tett. Lett., (38), 3365-3368 (1974).
- H. C Silvis, J. L. Hahnfeld, J.Q, Niu, M. J. Radler, J. P. Godschalx, T. M. Stokich, J. W. Lyons, T. H. Kalantar, R. E. Hefner Jr., D. L. Yontz, B. G. Landes, K. B. Ouellette, B. J. Kern, J. G. Marshall, K. J. Bouck, K. Syverud, M. Leff, K. J. Bruza, Design of Nanoporous Polyarylene Polymers for Use as Low-k-Dielectrics in Microelectronic Devices, Polymeric Materials Science and Engineering, 87, 427-428 (2002).
Patents
- US Pat. Appl No. 2006/0018,977, Beneficial Agent Delivery Systems, 2006
- US 6,887,910, Composition Containing a Crosslinkable Matrix Precursor and a Poragen and a Porous Matrix Prepared Therefrom, January 2006
- US 6,359,091, Polyarylene Composition with Enhanced Modulus Profile, February 2002
- US 6,630,520, Composition Containing a Crosslinkable Matrix Precursor and a Poragen and a Porous Matrix Prepared Therefrom, October 2003
- US 6,653,358, Composition Containing a Crosslinkable Matrix Precursor and a Poragen and a Porous Matrix Prepared Therefrom, November2003.
- US 6,646,081, Polyarylene Composition with Enhanced Modulus Profile, November 2003
- WO 2000031183 [EP 1141128], Composition Containing Crosslinkable Matrix Precursor and Poragen and Porous Matrix Prepared Therefrom, June 2000
- US 5,276,228, Liquid Bisarylcyclobutene Monomers and Polymers, January 1994
- US 5,274,135, Low Temperature Process for Preparing Aminobenzocyclobutenes, December 1993
- US 5, 247,037, Mono(cyclobutaren)-Polymaleimide Copolymers, Septemb er 1993
- US 5,028,712, Biscyclobutarene-Polymaleimide Copolymers and Their Manufacture, November 1991
- US 5,134,214, 1,1-Substituted Arylethylenes-Polymaleimide Copolymers, July 1992
- US 4, 825,001, Cyclobutarene Keto Anhydride and Keto Carboxy Monomeric and Polymeric Compositions, October 1990
- US 4,996,288, Cyclobutarene Ketoanhydride and Ketocarboxy Monomers for High-Performance Crosslinked Polymers, February 1991
- US 4, 795,827, Manufacture of Cyclobutarene Ketoaniline Monomers for High Performance Engineering Materials, January 1989
- US 4, 529,556, Bis((aryl)vinyl)benzenes, July 1985
Awards
- Dow Chemical Special Recognition Awards for Technical Achievements
- (1987, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1995, 2001)
- Peer Recognition Award from Advanced Electronic Materials (2000)
- Invited speaker at the Gordon Research Conference; Thermoseting High Performance Materials (1991)
- Invited speaker at the Adhesion Society Meeting, February 1992
- Invited seminar speaker at M.I.T. Department of Polymeric Science and Technology (1997)
Professional Services & Activities
- Part time faculty at Alma College, Department of Chemistry; general and organic chemistry (2002-current)
- Advisory Board for Chemical Technology at Delta College (2008-2009)
- Visiting Chemist to local school systems; introduction of chemistry and visual experiments to young students (2010-)