Werner Kern (chemist)

Werner Kern (1906-1985) was a German chemist known for his significant contributions to polymer chemistry. He made important advancements in the understanding of the structure and properties of macromolecules, particularly cellulose and synthetic polymers like polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Kern earned his doctorate in 1934 from the University of Freiburg under Hermann Staudinger, a pioneer in macromolecular chemistry. He then worked with Staudinger on groundbreaking research that helped to establish the existence of macromolecules as covalently linked chains of repeating units, challenging prevailing theories that viewed polymers as aggregates of small molecules.

Throughout his career, Kern conducted extensive research on the synthesis, characterization, and modification of polymers. His work on PVC included investigations into its degradation mechanisms and stabilization techniques, leading to improvements in its durability and processability. He also contributed significantly to the development of methods for the analysis of polymer structures, including techniques for determining molecular weight and branching.

Kern held professorships at the University of Mainz, where he established a prominent polymer research institute. His work had a lasting impact on both academic understanding and industrial applications of polymer science. He published extensively and mentored numerous students who went on to become leaders in the field. His contributions are considered fundamental to the development of modern polymer chemistry.