Richland, Wash., chemist receives award for materials research

Matson, a senior research scientist at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), has contributed to the refinement of a line of ultra-barrier coatings that may allow plastic to eventually replace glass in electronic displays. Glass is commonly used because plastic is permeable to water vapor, which can ruin electronic components. He hopes that this new material will eventually enable the manufacture of better, cheaper and more flexible displays for cell phones, televisions, laptop computers and digital watches. Battelle, which operates PNNL for the Department of Energy, has created a spin-off company, Vitex Systems Inc., of San Jose, Calif., to commercialize the ultra-barrier technology.

In 2000, R&D magazine recognized the ultra-barrier coating technology as one of the top-100 innovations in the United States.

Matson received bachelor's degrees in chemistry and education from Western Washington State College in 1976 and his doctorate in physical chemistry from the University of Hawaii in 1984.

The American Chemical Society's 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.