Charles Frederick Cross facts for kids

Charles Frederick Cross (born December 11, 1855 – died April 15, 1935) was a brilliant British chemist. He is best known for his work with cellulose, which led to the invention of Viscose. This invention helped create many important materials like rayon and cellophane.

Who Was Charles Frederick Cross?

Charles Frederick Cross was a very important chemist from Britain. He was born in Brentford, Middlesex, on December 11, 1855. His father, Charles James Cross, was a schoolmaster who later became a soap maker.

Early Life and Education

Charles Cross studied at King's College London. After that, he continued his studies at Zurich Polytechnic in Switzerland. He then went to Owens College in Manchester, England. It was there that he met his future business partner, Edward John Bevan.

A Partnership That Changed Things

Charles Cross was very interested in cellulose, which is a natural material found in plants. Edward Bevan was also a chemist who had worked in a papermaking company. In 1885, they decided to work together. They started their own business in London as chemists who could test materials and give advice.

In 1888, Cross and Bevan wrote an important book about how paper is made. This book became a standard guide for many years.

The Invention of Viscose

In 1892, Charles Cross and Edward Bevan, along with another partner named Clayton Beadle, made a huge discovery. They received a patent for a new material they called Viscose.

Viscose was a game-changer! It became the main material used to make many new products, including:

• Rayon: This is a type of fabric that feels like silk but is made from cellulose.
• Cellophane: This is a clear, thin film often used for packaging.

Their work didn't stop there. In 1894, Cross and Bevan also got a patent for making cellulose acetate. This became the way companies made this material for industrial use.

Lasting Impact and Awards

Charles Frederick Cross's work had a lasting impact on many industries, especially those that use plant materials. His inventions helped create new fabrics and packaging materials that are still used today.

He received several important awards for his scientific achievements. He was given the Perkin Medal by the Society of Dyers and Colourists. In 1895, he also received the John Scott Medal. Charles Cross passed away in 1935.