Synthetic rubber pioneer Samuel Horne Jr. dies at age 82

Brecksville, Ohio - Samuel Horne, the research chemist credited with leading a team of scientists in the invention of polyisoprene and polybutadiene in the mid-1950s, died on 4 Feb. in Columbus, Ohio, aged 82.

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Horne did most of his research while working with BF Goodrich Co. from 1950-1982. He was granted 25 patents during his lifetime, but it was his work on cis 1,4 polyisoprene and later the polymerisation of polybutadiene that gained him the most attention in the rubber industry.

He was awarded the Charles Goodyear Medal in 1980 for his accomplishments.

Horne also worked for Polysar Ltd. from 1982 -when Goodrich sold its synthetic rubber operations to the Canadian company -until he retired in 1987.

After joining BFG in 1950, Horne advanced to research associate in 1960 and a senior research associate in 1968. A World War II veteran, he received the Pioneer Award from the American Institute of Chemists in 1974.

Horne is survived by daughters Vicki, Peggy Jacobs and Melanie Savage; son Sam; and seven grandchildren. His wife Sue died in 2001.

From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain publication)

Samuel Horne Jr., 82, chemist, led team that invented synthetic rubber Plain Dealer (US - Ohio)