Prof. Edward (Ted) Duck 1927 - 2006

Southampton - Professor Edward (Ted) Duck died on 17th Feb, aged 78. He was one of the finest polymer chemists of his generation, having carried out research under two Nobel Laureates, and in industry.

He published some 140 articles and scientific papers and was the inventor of over 50 patents. He became a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chemistry in 1976 and was awarded the Colwyn Gold Medal in 1981 for outstanding services to the rubber industry, especially his researches into catalytic synthesis of stereopolymers which are the basis of modern plastics and synthetic rubbers.

In the 1950s, he worked with Professor Karl Ziegler's team at the Max Planck Institute in Cologne. During this time he submitted a thesis to the University of Aachen and obtained his doctorate.

Ted Duck was involved with a number of UK institutions during his industrial career. He was a Vice Chairman of the Institute of the Rubber Industry Council in 1981 and served for many years as a committee member of the Southern Section. He served as a council member of RAPRA and was a member of the International Institute of Synthetic Rubber Producers Inc.'s European Commitee.

He is fondly remembered, by the many people who were fortunate to have worked with him, as a great teacher, mentor and friend, who, through his support and encouragement had a significant, beneficial effect on their lives. He is survived by his wife, son and daughter