Albert M. Gessler (1919 – 18 May 2003) was an ExxonMobil research chemist known for the development of elastomeric thermoplastics.[1]
Gessler was a resident of Cranford, New Jersey for 58 years. He was active in civic life, founding Cranford's recycling program in 1971.[2] He worked to establish Cranford's Conservation Center, chairing the Environmental Commission for several years. Gessler served as a leader in the Boy Scouts for more than 20 years. He received the Silver Beaver award in 1962. In 1999, the mayor of Cranford recognized Gessler's positive community impact with a resolution of Grateful Appreciation.[3]
Gessler completed his Bachelor of Arts in chemistry at Cornell University in 1941.[4]
Gessler began his career at Esso, joining in 1942.[5] His most cited work is a 1959 patent on regarding a process for preparing a vulcanized blend of crystalline polypropylene and chlorinated butyl rubber.[6] He was a mentor to Edward Kresge[7][8] and coworker of William J. Sparks.[9] He studied the chemical interaction between carbon black and various polymers.[10] He served as chairman of the New York Rubber group in 1966. He was an organizer of the 1971 Gordon Conference on Elastomers.[11] He is credited among the chief organizers of the popular text Science and Technology of Rubber.[12] He was the 1986 recipient of the Melvin Mooney Distinguished Technology Award. At his retirement with 38 years of service, his title was senior research chemist.