Giulio Natta

Date of Birth: February 26, 1903

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: May 2, 1979

Biography

Giulio Natta was a pioneering Italian chemist born on February 26, 1903, in Imperia, Italy. He is best known for his work on high polymers, specifically the development of crystalline stereoregular polymers. Natta’s groundbreaking research in polymer chemistry led to the creation of isotactic polypropylene, a material that revolutionized the plastics industry due to its durability and versatility. Natta earned his degree in Chemical Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Milan in 1924 and later became a professor there. In 1954, he collaborated with Karl Ziegler, a German chemist, and together they developed the Ziegler-Natta catalyst. This catalyst allowed for the production of polymers with a highly regular structure, which was a significant advancement in the field of materials science. For his contributions to chemistry, Natta was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1963, sharing the honor with Karl Ziegler. Natta continued to work in the field of polymer chemistry until his health declined. He passed away on May 2, 1979, in Bergamo, Italy.

5 Interesting Facts about Giulio Natta

1. Giulio Natta was the first Italian to win the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

2. He was a professor at the Polytechnic University of Milan, where he also completed his undergraduate studies.

3. Natta’s development of isotactic polypropylene has had a lasting impact on industries ranging from packaging to automotive.

4. Despite his scientific achievements, Natta suffered from Parkinson’s disease later in life, which significantly affected his work.

5. He published numerous scientific papers and held several patents related to polymer chemistry.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Giulio Natta

1. “Science is a wonderful thing if one does not have to earn one’s living at it.”

2. “The joy of discovery is certainly the liveliest that the mind of man can ever feel.”

3. “Research means that you don’t know, but are willing to find out.”

4. “Innovation is the calling card of the future.”

5. “Chemistry is not just a subject, but a way of thinking and problem-solving.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Giulio Natta’s highest net worth is not well-documented, as his era did not emphasize financial achievements in the same way as contemporary times. However, his contributions to the field of polymer chemistry were invaluable and have had multi-billion dollar impacts on industries worldwide.

Children

Giulio Natta had two children: one son and one daughter. His son, Giuseppe Natta, followed in his father’s footsteps and pursued a career in chemistry, while his daughter, Franca Natta, became a noted academic in the field of humanities.