About Robert M. Thomas
Lived 1908 – 1984 (aged 75–76). Robert M. Thomas was an American chemist and engineer.
Robert McKee Thomas (1908 – July 23, 1984) was a co-inventor of butyl rubber, along with William J. Sparks. Thomas held 75 patents, and directed the work of several notable polymer scientists including Francis P. Baldwin and Joseph Kennedy. He worked at the Standard Oil Company, in New Jersey, starting work in 1929 after obtaining a bachelor's degree in chemistry. He retired in 1965.
The ACS Rubber Division's Sparks-Thomas award is named after Thomas and Butyl rubber co-inventor William J. Sparks.
In 1969, he received the Charles Goodyear Medal.
Thomas was famously quoted by Joseph Kennedy for the advice Kennedy received as a young researcher from Thomas: "your project better be useful, otherwise your reward will be a cookie and a handshake".
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Robert M. Thomas?
American chemist and engineer (1908–1984)
When was Robert M. Thomas born?
Robert M. Thomas was born in 1908.
When did Robert M. Thomas die?
Robert M. Thomas died on 23 July 1984.
What was Robert M. Thomas's occupation?
Robert M. Thomas was a chemist and engineer.
What nationality was Robert M. Thomas?
Robert M. Thomas was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Robert M. Thomas. https://biography.guide/robert-m-thomas/
MLA: "Robert M. Thomas." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/robert-m-thomas/.
Chicago: "Robert M. Thomas." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/robert-m-thomas/.
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