1958
Carbon Fibers
Roger Bacon demonstrates the first high performance carbon fibers, the strongest and stiffest materials by weight known to man.
1962
Nobel Gas Chemistry
Neil Bartlett demonstrates the first reaction of a noble gas, previously thought to be inert. Bartlett’s reaction begins the field of noble gas chemistry.
1772
The Chemical Revolution
Lavoisier proves the chemical composition of water using the quantitative method; the phlogistic theory is abandonded in favor of modern methods.
1774
Discovery of Oxygen
English chemist Joseph Priestley discovers that air is a mixture of gases, among them the colorless and highly reactive gas we now know as oxygen.
1886
Production of Aluminum
Charles Martin Hall produces aluminum by electrochemistry, turning aluminum from a semiprecious metal into the familiar material we know today.
1888
Production of Aluminum
The Pittsburgh Reduction Company is formed to employ C. M. Hall’s 1886 invention of producing aluminum by electrochemistry.
1891
Production of Bromine
H. H. Dow produces bromine from brine. His business marks a breakthrough for American manufacturers over European competitors.
1895
Atomic Weight of Oxygen
E. W. Morley publishes a new value for the atomic weight of oxygen, setting a lasting standard and providing insight into the atomic theory of matter.
1905
Helium in Natural Gas
H. Cady and D. McFarland identify helium in a natural gas sample. Before this, helium was thought to be one of the rarest elements on Earth.
1906
Separation of Rare Earth Elements
Charles James devises new techniques for separating rare earth elements, producing samples desired by laboratories worldwide.
1946
Production and Distribution of Radioisotopes
Oak Ridge National Laboratory delivers the first radioisotope produced for peacetime pursuits like cancer therapy and diagnostics.
1958
Carbon Fibers
Roger Bacon demonstrates the first high performance carbon fibers, the strongest and stiffest materials by weight known to man.
1962
Nobel Gas Chemistry
Neil Bartlett demonstrates the first reaction of a noble gas, previously thought to be inert. Bartlett’s reaction begins the field of noble gas chemistry.
1772
The Chemical Revolution
Lavoisier proves the chemical composition of water using the quantitative method; the phlogistic theory is abandonded in favor of modern methods.
1774
Discovery of Oxygen
English chemist Joseph Priestley discovers that air is a mixture of gases, among them the colorless and highly reactive gas we now know as oxygen.