The first Knight Chemistry Lab at The University of Akron
At a glance: Centennial Celebration
When: Monday, May 4. Cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m.
Where: John S. Knight Center, Akron, Ohio (map)
What: The Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society will celebrate its 100th year of service to people and organizations associated with the rubber and affiliated industries. This event will also celebrate the 100th anniversary of the world's first course in rubber chemistry offered by The University of Akron's predecessor, Buchtel College. This black-tie optional event includes cocktails, followed by dinner, a program and dancing.
Details: http://www.rubber.org/100years or http://walcom.com/rd/ or call 330-972-7814.
To appreciate The University of Akron’s leading role in polymer research is to look at its history. A century ago, UA, then Buchtel College, carved its niche in the field when it presented the world’s first academic course in rubber chemistry. Since then, the university has played a key role in nearly every major development in the evolution of rubber chemistry and polymer science. As the nation’s largest single center of polymer education, UA is creating the future in polymer technology.
In celebration of its anniversary, UA will join the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society, also in its 100th year, with a dinner program on Monday, May 4 at the John S. Knight Center. This black-tie optional event begins at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails, followed by dinner, a program and dancing. Cost is $125. For gala details, visit http://www.rubber.org/100years or http://walcom.com/rd/, or call 330-972-7814.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Norway the Honorable John D. Ong, former BFGoodrich Co. chairman and honorary event chairman, will serve as the event’s keynote speaker. Other evening highlights include: the unveiling of the book “Rubber Mirror: Reflections of the Rubber Division’s First 100 Years” by Henry Inman, former corporate public relations executive with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.; and the display of the top 15 inventions submitted for the recent Rubber Band Contest for Young Inventors.
Need for well-trained workers
The university’s storied history in rubber, plastics and polymers began when professors Charles M. Knight and Hezzleton E. Simmons presented the inaugural rubber chemistry class, “The Chemistry of India Rubber,” in the Buchtel College catalog for 1908-09. Subsequently, Knight set up the world’s first academic rubber chemistry laboratory.
“Dr. Knight realized that young Akron rubber companies, such as BFGoodrich, would need well-trained workers to maintain business growth,” says Dr. Stephen Cheng, dean of the UA College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering. “His vision helped the rubber industry and enhanced the success of the future University of Akron as well.”
Following Knight’s 1931 retirement, the polymer program maintained momentum under Simmons and in concert with Akron’s nickname, “Rubber Capital of the World.” By World War II, the university’s polymer program was so highly regarded that the federal government contracted an agreement with the school to establish the Rubber Research Laboratory, which was charged with developing synthetic rubber needed for the war effort. By 1956, the research laboratory became the Institute of Rubber Research and in 1964, was renamed the Institute of Polymer Science under its director Dr. Maurice Morton.
Inventing its future
In 1988, advancements continued under the college’s new dean, Dr. Frank Kelley, who initiated the relocation of the Department of Polymer Engineering from the College of Engineering to the polymer program. The merger of the polymer science and polymer engineering programs culminated in the establishment of world’s only college of polymer science and polymer engineering. According to Cheng, the college — as it has since its beginning — is inventing the future of polymer science and polymer engineering.
“The science and engineering of soft materials, specifically polymers and macromolecules, is redefining our college’s research initiatives,” Cheng says. “We are now discovering medical and clinical applications for new biopolymer materials and will continue to do so within the new umbrella of the BioInnovation Institute in Akron.”
With concentration on research in biomolecular materials, renewable energy materials, microelectronics and optics, and environmentally benign polymers, the college is recruiting faculty members who specialize in these areas and is preparing to break ground for a new multifunctional National Polymer Innovation Center this year.
“The centennial celebration will be particularly significant as it unites the college’s polymer research pioneers from decades past with those of today, who continue to open new frontiers in science and engineering through nanotechnology, biomaterials and photonics,” Cheng says.
The Rubber Division, ACS, is a professional, nonprofit association dedicated to enhancing science, technology and business across the evolving elastomeric community. The Rubber Division's mission is to expand the elastomeric profession and individual development through educational, technical and interactive activities. For more information, visit www.rubber.org.