"Even in this multidisciplinary age, the individual investigator is crucial, the creative process heroic and inspiring," said Eli Pearce, president of the American Chemical Society. "Those who initially probe the unknown alone will ultimately serve as catalysts for development of the products, materials and technologies that advance civilization in the 21st century."
Placing transformers in ecologically sensitive areas has been a continuing concern of electric utility companies and local residents. Companies have taken certain steps to reduce the chances of transformer fluids being accidentally released into the environment.
Claiborne, a principal consulting research and development scientist, and his team developed a fully biodegradable vegetable oil called BIOTEMP® to eliminate the problem. Many U.S. companies now use commercial transformers containing the new fluid. According to Claiborne, the fluid also has the potential to be used in larger power transformers, capacitors, switchgears and cables.
Claiborne holds five patents and has authored or co-authored more than 25 technical papers. He also has written two books, Working with Non-Metals in the Plant and Working with Metals in the Plant.
Claiborne received his B.A. in chemistry from the University of Kansas in 1973 and his Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from Northwestern University in 1984.
The Industrial Innovation Awards recognize individuals and teams whose discoveries and inventions contribute to the commercial success of their companies and enhance our quality of life.