1903-1979

Italian chemist recognized for his work with polymer chemistry. Natta's early work involved the examination of polymer crystal structures by means of x-ray and electron diffraction, contributing toward better understanding of their molecular properties and making possible the synthesis of improved polymers. He was also the first to create the polymer polypropylene, now widely used for many products and applications. For these and other accomplishments, Natta was awarded the 1963 Nobel Prize for Chemistry.