Τhe human story is often split into ‘ages’, defined by the principal material of the time. We have the Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, and now, the Plastic Age.

Stone is found, bronze is alloyed, and iron is recovered from the ore. Plastics, however, reach a new level of sophistication, as they are synthesized- brought into existence, by us! 

Scientists over time have discovered many ways to combine ingredients to make new plastic. The molecules can be fashioned with various properties depending on what we need: sticky or slippery or lightweight or soft or hard or foamy etc. That’s why plastics are used in so many helpful everyday products, from spatulas to car bumpers and from medical implants to fabrics for clothing.

And this is only the beginning. As chemists are constantly developing innovative new plastics—to help make aircraft lighter, hearts pump longer, food stays fresher, homes more energy efficient, and so on.

Michael Londesborough, researcher at the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), comes to Athens Science Festival and provides us with a talk especially designed for the festival, an exciting and humorous overview of plastic polymer chemistry – its beginnings, and its current trends – with a number of demonstrations/experiments.

Organised by: Czech Centre Athens & Embassy of the Czech Republic in Athens 

More information about Michael Londesborough 

He is a researcher at the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS) and award-winning science communicator and broadcaster. Previously, he was a consultant for Semequip Inc., an ion implantation material development company. In 2015, he published the invention of the first boron hydride laser. He collaborates on science popularization projects with the British Council and Czech Television. He is chairman of his CAS Institute’s Council, author of 60 professional publications, co-author of two books about boron hydride chemistry and their application in modern technologies, and the co-owner of one international patent. He is a multiple winner of the Best Young Chemist competition, winner of the Cryptur award, and laureate of the Vojtěch Náprstek Medal for his contribution to science popularization. Michael has a doctorate from the British University of Leeds.  

Source: https://www.plasticsmakeitpossible.com/about-plastics/faqs/professor-plastics-intro-to-the-chemistry-of-plastics/