Dr. James E. McGrath
Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI)
Inducted 1997
Dr. James E. McGrath (1939 – 2014) was a renowned researcher who has also been a key author and educator in the field of polymer science. He co-authored six books on block polymers and polymerization technology and more than 100 technical papers.
Dr. McGrath holds a B.S. from St. Bernadine of Siena College and an M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Akron.
During his plastics career, McGrath worked for producers of plastic raw materials, including Rayonier and Goodyear, as a research scientist in polymer synthesis, characterization, and stabilization. He was also employed by the Union Carbide Corporation from 1967 to 1975, where his activities extended into plastics processing technology, including the extrusion of polyethylene pipe and blow molding of polyolefins, technical service, and introduction of new products.
After nearly two decades working as a research scientist developing new polymers and processing techniques, McGrath joined Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI) and State University as a professor. Professor McGrath was Director of the National Science Foundation Science & Technology Center at VPI. Dr. McGrath also served as the Ethyl Chaired Professor of Chemistry and Co-Director of the Polymer Materials and Interface Laboratory at VPI. In addition to his duties as a professor and center director, his academic contributions included:
• Co-authorship or editing of six books on block copolymers, polymerization technology, organisiloxane copolymers, polyamides, and more than 100 technical papers.
• Development of the first experimental, nationally offered short courses in polymer chemistry: Polymer Chemistry, Principles and Practice; Polymer Synthesis; and Characterization of Polymers.
• Extra-university education courses for polymer scientists at major corporations and courses for undergraduate teachers in macro-molecular chemistry and engineering.
Dr. McGrath received the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Plastics Research from the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) in 1987.
Areas of Expertise:
Plastics materials