Background
The son of an accountant, Renfrew was born October 12, 1910, in Spokane, Washington, lived in Colfax, and moved with his family at age 12 to Potlatch, Idaho, in 1923 and graduated from Potlatch High School in 1928.
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Malcolm MacKenzie Renfrew
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Malcolm MacKenzie Renfrew, American chemist, educator. Recipient Excellence in Teaching award Chemical Manufacturers Association, 1977, Outstanding Achievement award University Minnesota, 1977, Distinguished Idahoan award University Idaho Alumni Association, 2006; named to University Idaho Hall of Fame, 1977, Idaho Hall of Fame, 1996.
Education
Renfrew then attended the University of Idaho in nearby Moscow, where he joined the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and wrote for The Argonaut, the student newspaper. Originally interested in journalism, he switched his major to chemistry and graduated with a Bachelor of Surgery in 1932 and an Master of Surgery in 1934. He then traveled to the Midwest to continue his studies and earned a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Minnesota in 1938.
Career
Renfrew Hall, the university"s chemistry building, was named for him in 1985. He is noted for his contribution to the development of Teflon, including the first paper on the subject. In 1946 he spoke on behalf of DuPont at the American Chemical Society (American College of Surgeons) meeting at which Teflon was announced.
After gaining his doctorate, Renfrew worked for DuPont in New Jersey, where he produced a number of patents on polymethyl methacrylate, including one on photopolymerization, material for tooth repair, as well as epoxy resins and the first method of synthesis of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) in a form which was suitable for the commercial production of Teflon.
After further industrial experience with General Mills Company in Minneapolis and Spencer Kellogg & Sons in Buffalo, he returned west in 1959 to his alma mater to head the UI Department of Physical Science. This was split into separate departments of physics and chemistry in 1967, with Renfrew as the Head of Chemistry, a position he retained until 1973.
He retired in 1976 and became professor emeritus. Born on a farm near Fairfield, at the time of her death at age 96, they had been married for over 71 years.
("Hog Heaven" was an early name for Moscow) Renfrew died at his home in Moscow on October 12, 2013, his 103rd birthday.
Achievements
Membership
Fellow American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Institute Chemists. Member American Chemical Society (councilor 1948, 59, 67-89, chairman paint varnish and plastics division 1949, chairman chemical marketing and economics division 1958-1959, chairman chemical health and safety division 1982, James Flack Norris award 1976, Chemical Health and Safety award 1985, Mosher award 1986), American Institute Chemical Engineers, Society Chemical Industry, Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Xi, Phi Kappa Phi, Sigma Pi Sigma, Phi Gamma Delta (distinguished Fiji 1986).
Connections
Married Carol Joy Campbell, June 26, 1938.
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Born
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Died
October 12, 2013 (aged 102) -
Nationality
United States -
Religion
Presbyterian
Awards
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Recipient Excellence in Teaching award Chemical Manufacturers Association, 1977, Outstanding Achievement award University Minnesota, 1977, Distinguished Idahoan award University Idaho Alumni Association, 2006. Named to University Idaho Hall of Fame, 1977, Idaho Hall of Fame, 1996.Recipient Excellence in Teaching award Chemical Manufacturers Association, 1977, Outstanding Achievement award University Minnesota, 1977, Distinguished Idahoan award University Idaho Alumni Association, 2006. Named to University Idaho Hall of Fame, 1977, Idaho Hall of Fame, 1996.