Co-inventor of polymerA substrate used in the printing of banknotes, made of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) polymer. Polymer banknotes were first introduced in Australia and are widely used around the world. More banknotes, 86-year-old Professor David Solomon, is on the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for his contribution to the security and durability of Australian banknotes.
In response to the dismantling of a criminal gang that was caught with $800,000 worth of forged $10 notes back in 1966, Reserve BankSee Central bank. More of Australia governor mandated a team of scientists to take part in a “secret” project. Their objective: to make the Australian dollarMonetary unit of the United States of America, and a number of other countries e.g. Australia, Canada and New Zealand. More secure and uncounterfeitable.
The first polymer note, a $10, was released only 22 years later due to the RBA’s reluctance to take the role of technology leader. But since then, 34 countries have adopted this plastic substrateThe physical media or support on which the image is printed, such as paper, polymer or hybrid, etc. More for their currencies including, Canada, Chile and Vietnam. The UK will join the group this fall when it releases its first polymer banknoteA banknote (or ‘bill’ as it is often referred to in the US) is a type of negotiable promissory note, issued by a bank or other licensed authority, payable to the bearer on demand. More, the Fiver.
Professor Solomon receives no royalties for the invention, but he is proud of the achievement and is still active in the field of chemistry. He is currently working in the University of Melbourne’s polymer group, with Professor Greg Qiao, on projects as diverse as paints and biomedical applications.
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