Russian Inventor. A chemist by profession, he is remembered for the creation of polybutadiene synthetic rubber, that would later become the first commercially viable and mass-produced type of synthetic rubber, which is widely-used today. After graduating from St. Petersburg University with a doctorate degree in 1900, he worked as a chemist at various universities in Russia. From 1910 to 1913 he devoted his time researching the polymerization of butadiene in the development of synthetic rubber and by 1928 he had industrialized the process that eventually led to the creation of several synthetic rubber factories by the early 1930s. Within seven years, the former Soviet Union led the world in synthetic rubber production, with over 50,000 tons being produced. He also contributed to the development of synthetic motor oil for aircraft engines. In 1932 he became a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences. He died at the age of 59. In 1945 the National Institute for Synthetic Rubber was named "Lebedev's Institute" in his honor.
Russian Inventor. A chemist by profession, he is remembered for the creation of polybutadiene synthetic rubber, that would later become the first commercially viable and mass-produced type of synthetic rubber, which is widely-used today. After graduating from St. Petersburg University with a doctorate degree in 1900, he worked as a chemist at various universities in Russia. From 1910 to 1913 he devoted his time researching the polymerization of butadiene in the development of synthetic rubber and by 1928 he had industrialized the process that eventually led to the creation of several synthetic rubber factories by the early 1930s. Within seven years, the former Soviet Union led the world in synthetic rubber production, with over 50,000 tons being produced. He also contributed to the development of synthetic motor oil for aircraft engines. In 1932 he became a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences. He died at the age of 59. In 1945 the National Institute for Synthetic Rubber was named "Lebedev's Institute" in his honor.
Bio by: William Bjornstad
Advertisement
See more Lebedev memorials in:
Advertisement
