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Polymer Scientist
Studies and develops plastics, rubbers, and synthetic materials used in nearly every industry.
Did you know?
Stephanie Kwolek persuaded a technician to spin a cloudy solution that was usually thrown away, and it became Kevlar, five times stronger than steel by weight.
How subjects help
- Chemistry: Link small molecules into long chains to make new plastics, rubbers and fibres.
- Physics: Test how stretchy, strong or heat resistant a new material is when put under strain.
- Mathematics: Calculate the chain length that gives a plastic just the right mix of strength and bend.
- Engineering: Turn a new material into real products like water bottles, running shoes or car parts.
A famous name
Hermann Staudinger: Chemist who proved polymers are giant molecules, winning the 1953 Nobel Prize.
Try it yourself: Stretch test: which material bounces back?
- Pull each one gently, a little at a time. Keep them away from your face.
- Which stretches and springs back? Which stays stretched? Which tears?
- All four are made of very long chain-like molecules called polymers, joined and arranged in different ways.
- Which material would you pick for a hairband, a shopping bag or a book page, and why?
Polymer scientists design materials by changing how those long molecules are built, making plastics, fabrics and rubbers that do exactly what is needed.
Also try: Design a box that keeps ice frozen.
Known for it in
USA, Germany, Japan, South Korea, China