Pittsburgh researcher receives award for polymer research

Peter H. Markusch, Ph.D., of Bayer Corporation in Pittsburgh, Pa., will be honored June 11 by the world's largest scientific society for polymer research resulting in commercially successful products. He will receive one of four 2001 Industrial Innovation Awards at the American Chemical Society's Central/Great Lakes joint regional meeting in Grand Rapids, Mich.

"Dr. Markusch is truly an outstanding chemist who has been an invaluable asset to Bayer's R&D efforts in the United States over several decades," said Robert Daniele, vice president of the specialty business group, polyurethanes division, at Bayer Corporation. "Dr. Markusch has been singularly responsible for the introduction of dozens of new products to the marketplace."

Markusch has been named an inventor or co-inventor on more than 80 U.S. patents during his 30-year career at Bayer. He successfully promoted sales of Desmodur® W, one of Bayer's most successful polyurethane raw materials, and developed new uses for the product, including medical devices such as IV catheters.

Markusch also developed a specific class of prepolymers used to produce high-performance polyurethane materials, including carpet backing, caulking and sealants. Most recently, Bayer has used these promising polymers to encapsulate more environmentally friendly, slow-release fertilizers for plants, lawns and golf courses.

The American Chemical Society's Industrial Innovation Awards recognize individuals and teams whose discoveries and inventions contribute to the commercial success of their companies and enhance our quality of life.

Peter H. Markusch, Ph.D., is senior development fellow and technology advisor of the polyurethanes division at Bayer Corporation. He received his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Goettingen, Germany, in 1969 and was a postdoctoral fellow at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., from 1969-1971. He resides in Pittsburgh, Pa.