Renaissance of the Plastic Age: discoverers of conducting polymers honoured with the Millenium Nobel Prize in Chemistry

Abstract

Discovery and development of conducting polymers has opened up new frontiers in materials chemistry and physics. This new generation of polymers combines the mechanical properties and processability of traditional polymers with electrical and optical properties unknown earlier. The enormous technological potential that this rare combination offers, is beginning to be tapped. The Nobel Prize awarded in Chemistry this year, is a grand recognition of the dawn of the new plastic age.