James R.Hindman,Ph.D. Acknowledged expert in the field of vermiculite technologies. Also knowledgeable in related technologies dealing with clays, diatomaccous earth, micas, perlite, and natural zeolites. Consultant and participant in corporate research projects in vermiculite exploration, mining, beneficiation, marketing and product development.

Research Interests Continuing research in the preparation and use of chemically modified commercial vermiculite in specialty product applications. Areas of interest include:(1)vermiculite synthesis;(2)extending the thermal stability range of vermiculite;(3)osmotic swelling of vermiculite for product beneficiation and particle delamination;(4)vermiculite dispersion, gel and film technologies;and(5)the preparation of organo-vermiculite compounds for use in toxin removal, plastic fillers, drilling mud and lost circulation materials. Current research also includes improvements in vermiculite beneficiation techniques and the preparation of a text on the beneficiation, modification and applications of commercial vermiculite.

Education and Professional AFFILIATIONS DEGREES HAVE BEEN EARNED AT THE University of Southern California(B.S.Geological Sciences) and the University of Utah(Ph.D.,Geology). Current and past membership in the Clay Mineral Society, the Mineralogical Society of America, and The Vermiculite Association. Founder and Publisher of the Vermiculite Technology Newsletter. Research resources include an extensive database referencing over 7000 patents, technical publications, and unpublished documents.