Springer - History of Polyolefins: The World's Most Widely Used Polymers

Explore the foundational history of one of the most significant groups of materials in science. This volume, part of the Chemists and Chemistry series, traces the origins of polyolefins from early chemical discoveries to modern applications. Readers can follow the timeline starting from M. P. E. Berthelot's 1863 lecture to the Chemical Society in Paris, where the concept of polymerization was first reported. The text covers early milestones, including H. von Pechmann's work with diazomethane and the development of polymethylene. It also examines the major breakthroughs, such as the classical ICI discoveries of the 1930s that changed the landscape of polymer science. This book serves as a detailed historical record for students, researchers, and professionals interested in organic chemistry and the evolution of polymer science. By documenting the transition from early academic lectures to industrial breakthroughs, it provides a clear view of how these widely used polymers came to be.