Anton Peterlin (physicist)

Anton Peterlin (1908 – 1993) was a Slovenian physicist, best known for his contributions to the fields of polymer physics and fluid dynamics. He was a pioneer in understanding the behavior of polymers in solution and under stress.

Born in Ljubljana, Slovenia (then part of Austria-Hungary), Peterlin received his doctorate from the University of Ljubljana in 1935. After holding various positions in Europe, he emigrated to the United States in 1960 and joined the Camille Dreyfus Laboratory at the Research Triangle Institute (RTI) in North Carolina.

Peterlin's research focused on the study of polymer chain conformation, orientation, and deformation under different conditions, including flow and mechanical stress. He made significant contributions to the understanding of the relationship between the microscopic structure of polymers and their macroscopic properties. His work involved both theoretical modeling and experimental investigations using techniques like X-ray diffraction, light scattering, and electron microscopy.

Among his significant achievements, Peterlin developed theories regarding the orientation and deformation of polymer chains in flowing solutions, contributing to the understanding of phenomena like flow-induced crystallization and drag reduction. He also studied the morphology and properties of oriented polymers, particularly in fibers and films. He published extensively on these topics, and his work has been highly influential in the field of polymer science.

Peterlin received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to physics and polymer science. He is remembered as a key figure in establishing the foundations of modern polymer physics.