RSC - Advancing the Chemical Sciences


 

A centenary of silicone chemistry


17th March 2004, University of Nottingham

A celebration of the centenary of the discovery of silicone polymers by Frederic Stanley Kipping (1863 - 1949) at the University of Nottingham was held in the School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham. 

The Historic Chemical Landmark included a programme of lectures organized by the Royal Society of Chemistry Historical Group and the School of Chemistry at Nottingham University. The lectures given were:

  • Frederic Kipping and his legacy of chemistry 
     Professor Alan Bassindale, Open University
  • Recent Silicon Research at Nottingham 
     Dr Robert Mokaya, University of Nottingham
  • Silicon in industry
    Dr Richard Taylor, Dow Corning Ltd
  • Some recent developments in organosilicon chemistry 
     Dr Paul Lickiss, Imperial College London  

The ceremony, which was attended by F S Kippings grandsons Brian and Robin, and past ACS Frederic Stanley Kipping Award winners, concluded with the unveiling of an RSC Historic Chemical Landmark plaque to F. R. Kipping by Professor Sir Colin Campbell, Vice-Chancellor, University of Nottingham.

The inscription on the plaque which will be sited in the Foyer of the Chemistry Department reads:

Silicone Polymers 

Commemorating the pioneering work into the development of silicone polymers conducted by Professor Frederic S. Kipping, FRS, first Sir Jesse Boot Professor of Chemistry, at the University College laboratories in Shakespeare Street, Nottingham (1897-1928), and the Trent Building laboratories, University Park (1928-1936). His research formed the basis for the worldwide development of the synthetic rubber and silicone-based lubricant industries.