Von der Alchimie zu modernen Werk- und Effektstoffen

Chemistry has emerged from the dark ages of alchemistry as modern science which is claiming a major part in securing our high quality of life and promoting development of future technologies, ranging from aerospace and automotive industries to microelectronics and biomedical applications. This remarkable progress is highlighted by selected advances, e.g., Berthold Schwarz and his black powder development, Justus Liebig's fertilizers, and finally Hermann Staudinger's concept of modern macromolecular chemistry with far-reaching consequences for the development of man-made fibers, rubbers, and plastics. Today research is aimed at the development of 'smart materials' which are capable of changing properties, e.g., viscosity of dispersions, as a function of sensor signal intensity.