Arthur Eichengrün: Pioneer of Cellulose Acetate Manufacturing Processes
Explore the legacy of Arthur Eichengrün, a trailblazer in 20th-century chemistry and materials science, whose achievements reshaped both medicine and the plastics industry. His groundbreaking contributions led to his induction into the prestigious Plastics Hall of Fame in 2024.
Dr. Arthur Eichengrun, Cellon-Werke (Germany). Source: Plastics Hall of Fame
Arthur Eichengrün, a pioneering figure in chemistry and materials science, left a mark on the scientific landscape of the 20th century. Joining Bayer & Company in 1896, Eichengrün's career saw him trailblazing in pharmaceuticals, plastics and photochemistry.
Among his achievements were the development of Protargol, an anti-gonorrhea medication, and his co-discovery of aspirin, two innovations that revolutionized medicine. However, his contributions extended far beyond the realm of pharmaceuticals.
In 1903, alongside Theodore Becker, he unveiled the first soluble cellulose acetate material, known as Cellit. Their invention not only paved the way for safer and more versatile materials but also played a pivotal role in the development of cellulose acetate film, a significant advancement in cinematography adopted by industry giants like Eastman Kodak and Pathé Frères.
Eichengrün established Cellon-Werke in 1908, where he furthered the science of injection molding by introducing the first injection molding press in 1919. During World War I, Cellon, a flame-resistant plastic developed by Eichengrün, found critical applications in aviation, including pilots’ goggles and gas masks.
He was forced to sell his company in 1933 and later endure imprisonment in the Theresienstadt concentration camp. But, upon liberation in 1945, his unyielding commitment to scientific inquiry led him to resume his scientific pursuits in Berlin, amassing a total of 47 patents throughout his career.
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