Velliyur Nott Mallikarjuna "Malli" Rao

Velliyur Nott Mallikarjuna " Malli" Rao

AGE: 77 • Wilmington

V. N. Mallikarjuna "Malli" Rao passed away suddenly at his home in Wilmington, Delaware on Tuesday, December 2, 2014.

Born in 1937 in Tamil Nadu state in India, Malli received his bachelors and masters degrees from Pachaiyappa's College, affiliated with the University of Madras, in 1959. He came to the U.S. on a Fulbright Fellowship and obtained his Ph.D. in organic chemistry at the University of Idaho. After completing postdoctoral work at the University of Chicago, Malli returned to India where he managed 800 employees in an OvaltineTM malted milk plant. He relocated to the U.S. as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Wisconsin and joined DuPont at the Experimental Station in Wilmington, DE in 1973.

Malli will be remembered as a prolific inventor in the fields of catalysis and organofluorine chemistry - especially chlorofluorocarbon alternatives. Named a DuPont Fellow and Distinguished Scientist, Malli shaped the Fluorochemicals portfolio of products through innovation, creativity and a vision of the global future. His interests included catalysis, organic reaction mechanisms, organosilicon/organofluorine chemistry, spectral analysis and lab process automation. He holds nearly 200 granted U.S. patents, the majority of them in the area of chlorofluorocarbon alternatives.

Early in his DuPont career, Malli worked on tetrahydrofuran, which is used in the manufac-ture of Lycra® spandex. He identified the compound that caused unwanted color in the process and suggested improvements, which led to better quality. In 1980, he invented an inherently safer process to make methyl isocyanate, an organic compound used in the production of pesticides. A key discovery was a catalyst that allowed the compound to be made in situ, improving the safety of its transportation and storage.

When DuPont decided to phase out production of chlorofluorocarbons used in refrigerants and other applications, Malli began exploring alternatives. He was a key contributor to the development catalytic processes and a catalyst regeneration technique. Malli initiated collaboration among pilot ¬plant operations, analytical support, catalyst vendors, engineering and manufacturing to ensure commercial success. In the later stages of his career, Malli patented compositions and processes related to the new hydrofluoroolefin platform that DuPont is pursuing today.

In 1999, Malli received the Lavoisier Medal, the highest scientific honor awarded by DuPont. Following his retirement, Malli continued to consult with DuPont and actively supported development of yet another generation of fluorocarbon products. In 2014, Malli received the Stephanie Kwolek Inventor Award. The award is named for Stephanie Kwolek, who is recognized as one of the most important inventors in DuPont history for her many contributions that led to the invention and commercialization of Kevlar® aramid technologies. This prestigious award highlights the contributions of inventors who have achieved distinction in their fields and contributed most to new science as evidenced by patents.

One of Malli's many philosophies of life was that one individual acting alone could never be as productive as a team. A champion of diversity, Malli mentored young scientists from all backgrounds to build a stronger company. He had a unique ability to bring the best out of everyone with whom he interacted. Malli advocated safe environmental practices and challenged scientists to meet the manufacturing opportunities of the next century around the world. Malli's insight, patience, and breadth of knowledge of the chemical industry made him a valued advisor to science and business leaders alike.

Away from the lab, Malli, along with his wife, cared for birds in their aviary at home and volunteered at Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research. He was also a conservator of South American orchids and a long time member and Board member of the Delaware Orchid Society.

Malli is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Vera Lee Collins Rao, by brother V. N. Madhava (Sethu) Rao, by sisters Syamala Venkataraman and Radha Viswanathan, and by numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Malli was predeceased by his parents, V. N. Krishna Rao and Mrs. Sundarambal and by brother, V. N. Subba (Subbu) Rao.

Visitation will be held Saturday, December 6, 2014 at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803 from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research at 110 Possum Hollow Road, Newark, DE 19711. (www.tristatebird.org)

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