David Henry Solomon

David Henry Solomon (born 19 November 1929) is an Australian polymer chemist. He is best known for his work in developing Living Radical Polymerization techniques, and polymer banknotes.

Education David Henry Solomon was born 19 November 1929 in Adelaide, South Australia. He received an Associate of Sydney Technical College, (equivalent to a Diploma of Chemistry) in 1950 and went on to complete a Bachelor of Science (BSc (Hons)) in 1952 from the New South Wales University of Technology (now the University of New South Wales), a Master of Science (MSc) from the same university in 1955, and a PhD from the University of New South Wales in 1959 with a thesis entitled Studies on the Chemistry of Carbonyl Compounds. In 1968 he was awarded a DSc from the University of New South Wales for his thesis Studies on the Chemistry of Coating Compounds. He also received an Honorary Doctorate in Applied Science from the University of Melbourne in 2005, one of only seven awarded in the university's history.

Career Solomon joined British Australian Lead Manufacturers Pty Ltd (BALM, which later became Dulux Australia Ltd) as a trainee chemist in 1946 at the age of 16. It was here that he developed his lifelong interest in polymers, and made important observations that the current theories on polymers did not match with what was actually happening in the industrial processes.

Solomon's strong interest in polymer research drew him to join CSIRO as a senior research scientist in the Division of Applied Mineralogy in 1963. In 1970 Solomon transferred to the Division of Applied Chemistry where he established the Polymer Research Group, before going on to become chief of the Division of Applied Organic Chemistry during a reorganisation in 1974, a position he held for the next 17 years. his third internationally acclaimed polymer research group. After ‘retirement’ in 1995 David took up the position of honorary professorial fellow in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the university, moving the Polymer Science Group, to which he still acts as senior advisor.

Solomon went on to lead the research team and was the principal inventor of the world's first polymer banknote, with the first note issued into circulation in 1988: the Australian bicentennial $10. He has chronicled the history of the development of polymer banknotes in The Plastic Banknote: From Concept to Reality, co-authored with Tom Spurling (published in 2014).

Selected honours Solomon has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards throughout his career. A selected list is outlined below. 2016 Companion of the Order of Australia. 2011 Prime Minister's Prize for Science, awarded jointly with Dr Ezio Rizzardo. 2006 Victoria Prize. 2001 Centenary Medal. 1994 Clunies Ross National Science and Technology Award. 1990 Member of the Order of Australia. 1989 Ian William Wark Medal and Lecture.

Professional societies Solomon's considerable contributions to science have been recognised by his peers through election to the following Academies: Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (FIChemE, 2007) Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS, 2004). Foundation Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (FTSE, 1976). Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science (FAA, 1975). Fellow of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (FRACI, 1966) Solomon has always been active in these societies, in particular the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI). In 2001 the RACI established the Solomon Lecture Series in recognition of his contribution to the field and to the RACI. A biennial series presented by an invited leading international polymer researcher, this Lecture Series recognizes the importance of promoting the exchange of ideas and expertise and to expose young scientists to the best in their field internationally.

Publications Solomon is co-author of nine books, including an historical account of the development of plastic banknotes (The Plastic Banknote: From Concept to Reality) He is also co-author of over 250 journal papers and 45 patents.