John Ewen
- Chemist

Dr. John Ewen received the National Medal of Technology from the President of the United States, Mr. George Bush in 2002

Dr. John Ewen received the National Medal of Technology from the President of the United States, Mr. George Bush in 2002. This is the most prestigious award for technology in the USA. His key area of research is metallocenes, a catalyst he used in the processing of polyethylene and polypropylene plastics. The use of metallocenes has revolutionised the plastic industry, providing the means to control plastic properties. This allows the manufacture of plastics that are durable, heatproof, tear resistant and transparent. These new plastics have been used in golf balls, food wrap, automotive parts, medical IV bags and bags for storage of food produce. Dr. Ewen also developed an oxygen permeable bag, which enables salads to remain crisp without refrigeration, so they can be stored on a shelf for longer periods of time. With over 49 patents and 29 refereed publications, Dr. Ewen has revitalised the plastics industry globally making it the lucrative industry it is today. His success stems from “a love for chemistry, a love for doing research and all credit to the metallocenes.”

A young John Ewen

Dr. Ewen was born in Kingston Jamaica in 1945. His family pioneered the tourism industry in Montego Bay. While his parents managed hotels he entertained himself by playing sports on the beach, swimming, fishing and riding his bicycle. After primary school, he attended Munroe College and Stanstead College. He was a boarder and returned home only on vacations. He may not have adjusted well to this arrangement since he performed poorly in school. Despite always being interested in science, he failed his first chemistry examination and could not understand mathematics.

Ewen developed his passion for chemistry when he went to the University of the West Indies, Mona. His mentor was Professor Gerald “Bunny” Lalor who inspired his lifelong “fascination for all aspects of chemistry.” Professor Lalor also impressed on him the importance of research to society. He graduated from UWI with first class honours in 1972.

He migrated to the United States in 1973 to continue his education. He graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans with a doctorate in 1979. His first job was at Exxon Mobile Chemical Company where he conducted research on the synthesis of plastics and pioneered the study of metallocenes. He was faced with resistance and opposition to his ground-breaking research and was forced to do his work on weekends and holidays.

By 1984, through perseverance and long working hours, he published his first paper on the chemical control of polymers using metallocenes. He embarked on a strategy to educate the public on catalysts and the benefits of these new plastics to the society at large. In time the scepticism disappeared, as people realised the importance of the technology.

Later that year he moved to Fina Oil and Chemical Oil Company where his work continued and he developed the “Ewen Symmetry Rules” to make plastics that would be stronger, waterproof and suitable for a diverse range of applications in all sectors of the manufacturing industry.

US National Medal of Technology

Dr. Ewen retired as President of Catalyst Research Corporation but still works as a consultant. His current research is on a new group of catalysts known as heterocines.

He enjoys playing golf, fishing and reading. His love for reading has helped to motivate him to achieve great things. He says that the success of his career as a catalyst chemist is due to “hard work, long hours and fighting many battles.” He tells young persons that “research is the most exciting and interesting way to make a living, and one must focus on the needs of society especially in the Caribbean to make an impact.” He adds “research is highly rewarding and one can have a very satisfying life if you enjoy what you do.”

This Icon is also featured in the Video Documentary and Kids’ Booklet :

Sources:

• Interview with Dr. John Ewen.

• Ewen, J. A (1997) “New Chemical Tools to Create Plastics.” Scientific American 276(5), 86-91.

Weblinks:

2001 National Medal of Technology Laureate

The US National Medal of Technology

An interview with Dr. John A. Ewen

Metallocene as Olefin Polymerization Catalysts: An Introduction

Publications:

1. “Metallocene Polymerization Catalysts: Past, Present, and Future.” J.A. Ewen, in Metallocene-Based Polyolefins (2000), Vol. 1, pp. 3-31. Eds. John Sheirs, W. Kaminsky. John Wiley and Sons Ltd., Chichester.

2.  “Expanding the Scope of Metallocene Catalysts: Beyond Indenyl and Fluorenyl Derivatives.” Ewen, J.A., Jones, R.L., Elder, M.J.; pp.150-169 in Metalorg. Catal. for Synth. and Polym. (1999), Ed. Kaminsky, W. Pub. Springer, Berlin, Germany.

3.  “Symmetry Rules and Reaction Mechanisms of Ziegler-Natta Catalysts.”Ewen; J. A. J. Mol. Catal. A.:Chem. 128 (1-3), 103-109 (1998).

4.  “Evolution of metallocenes for polypropylene: stereochemistry and molecular weight control through catalyst design.” Ewen, J.A., Jones, R. L., Elder, M.J., In Polypropylene. Past present and future: the challenge continues.” (1998), pub. Montell polyolefins, distributed by Tecnimont, Viale Monte Grappa 3, 20124 Milano.

5. "Syntheses and Models for Stereospecific Metallocenes." Ewen; J. A.; Elder; M. J. Makromol. Chem., Macromol. Symp. 66, 179-190 (1993).

6. "Metallocene/Polypropylene Structural Relationships: Implications on Polymerization and Stereochemical Control Mechanisms." Ewen; J. A.; Elder; M. J.; Jones; R. L.; Haspeslagh; L.; Atwood; J. L.; Bott; S. G.; Robinson; K. Makromol. Chem., Macromol. Symp. 48/49, 253-295 (1991).

7.  "Kinetics and Bonding in Transition Metal Carbonyl Derivatives and Related Organometallic Complexes." Ewen; J. A. Dissertation, Tulane University, 1979.

Education:

• Munroe College, Jamaica

• Stanstead College, Stanstead, Canada

• The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica B.Sc. 1972

• Tulane University, New Orleans, USA Ph.D. 1979

Awards:

• National Medal of Technology (2001) received from President George W. Bush, President of the United States of America.

• Doctor of Science degree, University of the West Indies (2004)

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