MSE Seminar: Timothy Hebrink

Event interval: Single day event
Accessibility Contact: Matthew Yankowitz, myank@uw.edu
Event Types: Lectures/Seminars

Title: Light and Energy Management Films for Improving the Energy Efficiency of Buildings, Vehicles, and Electronics.

Abstract: Light and energy management play essential roles in modern life, influencing electronic displays, energy-efficient buildings and vehicles, and renewable energy systems. At 3M, significant advancements in optical film technologies-such as multilayer optical films and micro-structured films-have enabled new approaches to control, direct, and utilize light more effectively. This talk will introduce the fundamental science underlying these optical film technologies and highlight their applications, including brightness enhancement in LCD displays, solar heat rejection in architectural and automotive glazing, and radiative cooling solutions for buildings and vehicles. These light and energy management films improve the energy efficiency of buildings, vehicles, and electronic applications, and thus reduce electricity consumption or improve human comfort and safety. In alignment with 3M’s commitment to “Science Applied to Life,” the presentation will demonstrate how scientific innovation translates into practical solutions with meaningful impact across industries and everyday experiences.

Bio: Tim Hebrink, Corporate Scientist in 3M Corporate Research Process Lab, graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BS in Chemical Engineering, and has 41 years of polymer product development experience at 3M Company. His expertise, and innovations, in polymer properties and polymer processing has earned him 85 issued US patents and >60 pending patent applications covering novel optical polymers, optical film designs, polymer films with improved properties, and novel applications of polymer films. Polymer films produced by his inventions have enabled significant 3M polymeric film sales resulting in 6 Golden Step Awards for individual products achieving sales greater than $20million/year. While at 3M Company, Tim’s technical contributions to 3M have been recognized with 11 Circle of Technical Excellence awards. He has collaborated with many Universities and National Laboratories resulting in 12 research publications including a book chapter on Durable Polymer Films. He is passionate about energy efficiency and sustainability.