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Hermann Staudinger and Polymer Research in Freiburg

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Hierarchical Macromolecular Structures: 60 Years after the Staudinger Nobel Prize I

Part of the book series: Advances in Polymer Science ((POLYMER,volume 261))

Abstract

Between 1926 and 1956, Hermann Staudinger carried out his ground-breaking research on macromolecular chemistry at the University of Freiburg. He recognized that biopolymers and synthetic polymers are formed according to the same blueprint. Fighting vigorously against his numerous opponents, he established his concept of macromolecules. Since the pioneering days, his bioinspired molecular design of multifunctional polymeric materials has stimulated remarkable progress in materials science, biosciences, and engineering, accompanied by an extraordinary growth in polymer production. In 1940, Staudinger founded the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry as the first European center for interdisciplinary polymer research. In 1999, his laboratory was honored as an International Historic Chemical Landmark dedicated to the foundation of polymer sciences. Today, macromolecular (bio)systems engineering, inspired by Staudinger’s visions, plays a prominent role in sustainable development.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Freiburg Materials Research Center, FMF, and Freiburg Center of Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, FIT, of the University Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Strasse 31, 79104, Freiburg, Germany

    Hans-Joachim Cantow & Rolf Mülhaupt

Authors
  1. Hans-Joachim Cantow
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  2. Rolf Mülhaupt
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Rolf Mülhaupt .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

    Virgil Percec

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Cantow, HJ., Mülhaupt, R. (2013). Hermann Staudinger and Polymer Research in Freiburg. In: Percec, V. (eds) Hierarchical Macromolecular Structures: 60 Years after the Staudinger Nobel Prize I. Advances in Polymer Science, vol 261. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/12_2013_257

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