Paul Flory

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Paul Flory

Paul John Flory (June 19, 1910 – September 9, 1985) was an American chemist and Nobel laureate who was known for his extensive work in the field of polymer chemistry. He made significant contributions to the understanding of the behavior, structure, and properties of polymers.

Early Life and Education

Paul Flory was born in Sterling, Illinois. He attended Manchester College where he received his bachelor's degree in 1931. He then went on to earn his Ph.D. in physical chemistry from The Ohio State University in 1934.

Career and Research

Flory began his career at DuPont in 1934, where he worked on the polymerization of synthetic rubber. He later joined the University of Cincinnati as a faculty member, where he continued his research on polymers. In 1948, he moved to Cornell University, and in 1961, he joined Stanford University as a professor of chemistry.

Flory's research focused on the statistical mechanics of polymer chains, leading to the development of the Flory-Huggins solution theory, which describes the thermodynamics of polymer solutions. He also introduced the concept of excluded volume in polymer chains, which has become a fundamental principle in polymer science.

Nobel Prize

In 1974, Paul Flory was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his "fundamental achievements, both theoretical and experimental, in the physical chemistry of macromolecules."

Legacy and Honors

Flory's work laid the foundation for modern polymer science and has had a lasting impact on the field. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Priestley Medal and the National Medal of Science.

Personal Life

Paul Flory was married to Emily Catherine Tabor, and they had three children. He passed away on September 9, 1985, in Big Sur, California.

Related Pages

• Polymer
• Polymer chemistry
• Flory-Huggins solution theory
• Excluded volume
• Nobel Prize in Chemistry
• Statistical mechanics