Photo by Tom Cogill

Haydn Wadley’s research has generated 25 patents, both issued and pending, for innovative materials with applications in the defense and transportation industries.

By Charlotte Crystal

The U.Va. Patent Foundation has named materials scientist Haydn N. Wadley the 2004 Edlich-Henderson Inventor of the Year. The award, which includes a check for $10,000, was bestowed May 17 at a dinner in Wadley’s honor.

Wadley was recognized for his path-breaking research, which has led to 25 patents (both issued and pending) for innovative materials with applications in the defense and transportation industries, and for his entrepreneurial spirit.

“Haydn is a good example of a 21st-century university scientist who maintains his intense focus on fundamental research, while appreciating the practical importance of the technology he is developing,” said Robert S. MacWright, executive director of the foundation. “His work has the potential to make significant contributions both to the U.S. economy and to our national defense.”

One set of Wadley’s inventions relates to a new method of applying metal and ceramic coatings to metal surfaces, to protect industrial equipment against wear, corrosion and heat. James Groves, assistant professor in the Department of Materials Science, is the co-inventor. Another set of inventions involves the development of new metallic structures that offer various combinations of attributes, such as strength, lighter weight, heat and cold exchange, and blast or impact absorption.

Two new companies have been built around Wadley’s research findings: Directed Vapor Technologies International, which is developing the industrial coatings, and Cellular Materials International, which is developing the metallic structures.