Chemistry professor wins conservation award

3:05 p.m., Aug. 12, 2003--Albert Matlack, UD adjunct professor of chemistry, is the 2003 recipient of the Delaware Audubon’s Conservation Award. Longtime president of the Society of Natural History of Delaware, Matlack has more than 130 U.S. and foreign patents. His most recent book, is “Introduction to Green Chemistry”

According to Matlack, green chemistry, which was born as a result of the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, is a “big step” in the advancement of a sustainable Earth. Green chemistry focuses on eliminating the use of toxic chemicals and reducing hazardous wastes while still providing products that society needs or wants—all with a minimal use of energy.

Green chemistry, Matlack said, also tries to reduce chemical accidents by using nontoxic starting materials. This idea of biocatalysis would deter the threat of terrorism at chemical plants by eliminating the toxic chemicals, which might normally be targeted.

Originally from Arlington, Va., Matlack moved to Delaware and took a job with Hercules after finishing his master’s degree at the University of Virginia. Matlack is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a member of the American Chemical Association.

Article by Anthony Pierce, AS 2004

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