Thomas Midgley Jr.: Inventor and Chemist
Early Life:
Thomas Midgley Jr. was born on May 18, 1889, in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, USA. Raised in a family with a strong engineering background, Midgley displayed an early interest in mechanics and invention. His father was a mechanical engineer.
Education:
Midgley attended Cornell University, where he studied mechanical engineering, graduating in 1911. His education laid the foundation for his future career in science and invention.
Early Career:
After completing his education, Midgley worked at the research laboratory of General Electric (GE). His work focused on the development of additives to improve the efficiency of motor fuels. During this period, he made significant contributions to the understanding of engine knocking, a common problem in internal combustion engines.
Development of Tetraethyllead (TEL):
In the 1920s, Midgley turned his attention to finding a solution to engine knocking. In collaboration with Charles Kettering, he developed tetraethyllead (TEL), an antiknock additive that helped prevent knocking in gasoline engines. TEL became widely used in leaded gasoline, significantly improving engine performance.
Invention of Freon:
Midgley’s inventive genius extended to the field of refrigeration. In 1928, he discovered and synthesized dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC-12), commonly known as Freon. Freon became a popular refrigerant, widely used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems for several decades.
Accidental Poisoning and Health Issues:
While Midgley’s inventions brought about significant advancements, his personal life was marked by health challenges. In 1940, he contracted polio, which left him severely disabled. Despite being paralyzed from the waist down, he continued to work with the help of a wheelchair.
Tragic Death:
In 1944, Thomas Midgley Jr. met a tragic end. While staying at the Key West Naval Hospital, he devised a system of pulleys and ropes to help him get in and out of bed. Unfortunately, he became entangled in the ropes and accidentally strangled himself, leading to his untimely death on November 2, 1944.
Legacy and Controversy:
Midgley’s inventions had a profound impact on the automotive and refrigeration industries. However, the legacy of TEL and CFCs became controversial due to their environmental consequences. Leaded gasoline contributed to air pollution, and CFCs were later found to harm the ozone layer. Despite the unintended negative consequences, Midgley’s contributions to the fields of automotive and refrigeration technology are significant, and he remains a notable figure in the history of industrial chemistry and engineering.
