Vivian Stannett
American chemist
Died when: 85 years 30 days (1021 months)Star Sign: Virgo
Vivian Thomas Stannett (September 1, 1917 – October 1, 2002), Camille Dreyfus Professor Emeritus of Chemical Engineering and dean emeritus of the Graduate School at North Carolina State University, was an English American chemist known for his contributions to the field of polymer science.
In 1981 he received North Carolina's top science honor, the North Carolina Science Award and Gold Medal, and in 1995 he was elected to the National Academy of Engineering, an organization of the United States National Academies, for advancements in transport processes and radiation chemistry in polymers.
He earned international recognition as a polymer scientist and engineer by using high-energy radiation to synthesize and modify polymers via degradation, cross-linking, and grafting.
His work in applying membrane science contributed to the development of flame-resistant textiles, plastic bottles that prevent soft drinks from going flat, and super-absorbent paper towels and diapers.
In addition, he researched chemical modifications of cellulose and investigated the application of polymers to textiles, pulp, and paper.