Gerard Kraus
Gerard Kraus (February 25, 1920 – 1990) - was a Phillips Petroleum scientist known for developing testing standards for carbon black surface area.[1][2]
Education[edit]
Kraus was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia, the son of a pathologist and professor of medicine. He came to the United States in 1940, following his graduation in 1938 from the State High School in Prague. In 1943, he completed his Bachelor of Science degree with High Honors from Southern Methodist University. He presented work entitled "Supercharging Diesels" at the ASME convention that year.[3] In 1947, he received the doctoral degree in polymer chemistry working under W. B. Reynolds at the University of Cincinnati,[4] under a fellowship funded by the Inland Division of General Motors Corporation. He studied adhesion of rubber-to-metal interfaces with application to the manufacture of tank track treads.
Career[edit]
From 1947 to 1953, Kraus was employed on the faculty at the University of Cincinnati, first as an instructor, then later as an assistant professor. He joined the Research and Development department at Phillips Petroleum Company in 1953. By 1963, he was managing a group responsible for exploratory work in carbon black, filler reinforcement, and properties of elastomers.[5] In 1968 his title was Senior Scientist.[6]
Kraus' most cited work is an account of the swelling behavior of filler-reinforced, vulcanized rubbers. He established a relationship on the assumption that, at the filler interface, swelling is completely restricted due to adhesion.[2] He is also known for a model of the Payne effect.[7]
Awards[edit]
- 1990 - Melvin Mooney Distinguished Technology Award
- 1996 - elected to the International Rubber Science Hall of Fame
References[edit]
- ^ Hsieh, Henry (May–June 1997). "International Rubber Science Hall of Fame Inductee - Gerard Kraus 1920-1990". Rubber Chemistry and Technology. 70 (2): G32. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
- ^ a b Kraus, Gerard (May–June 1963). "Swelling of filler-reinforced vulcanizates". Journal of Applied Polymer Science. 7 (3): 861–871. doi:10.1002/app.1963.070070306. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
- ^ "SMU Engineers will be hosts at convention". Dallas Semi Weekly Campus Newspaper Archives. No. Page 1. Dallas Semi Weekly Campus Newspaper. April 14, 1943. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ "Oklahoma Researcher to Address Chemists". Corpus Christi Caller Times Newspaper Archives. No. p 9. Corpus Christi Caller Times. April 21, 1963. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ "ACS Meeting to be held". Big Spring Daily Herald Newspaper Archives. No. 15. Big Spring Daily Herald Newspaper. April 14, 1963. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ "Chemical Group to meet Monday, Hear Scientist". Mckean County Democrat Newspaper Archives. No. Page 8. Mckean County Democrat. February 15, 1968. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ Kraus, Gerard (1984). "Mechanical losses in carbon-black-filled rubbers". Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Applied Polymer Symposia. 39: 75–92.