Herman F. Mark Polymer Chemistry Award

1998

The recipient of the 1998 Herman F. Mark Polymer Chemistry Award for outstanding research and leadership in polymer science is Prof. James Economy from the University of Illinois.

Dr. Economy has played a pivotal role over the past 35 years in the design and development of a number of new polymer systems such as liquid crystalline materials for structural uses, novel thermosetting resins that can be recycled, flame resistant textiles, new fibers for environmental control, microelectronic devices and inorganic preceramics. This body of work not only represents landmark contributions to the design of novel materials for each of these areas, but has provided a fundamental base of understanding which continues to provide stimulus for the design of further polymeric systems.

He has played a key leadership role not only in industrial management of polymer research, but also in his university and societal activities. Prof. Economy's career has spanned industrial responsibilities at Allied Chemical, Carborundum and IBM. Currently he is Head of the Materials Science and Engineering Department at the University of Illinois. He was
elected to the National Academy of Engineering and is a fellow of the AAS.

He has been active nationally and internationally in many organizations including the ACS Division of Polymer Chemistry (Chairman, 1985) and IUPAC Macromolecular Division (President, 1994-1998). He has authored or co-authored over 170 papers, numerous books and book chapters, and more than 60 U.S. Patents.

The award is sponsored by the Dow Chemical Company Foundation and will be presented to Dr. Economy at the 1998 Biennial Meeting of the ACS Polymer Division held at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg, VA, on November 22-25.