To the 100th anniversary of the Honored Scientist and Engineer, Doctor of Chemical Sciences, Academician Khusmanov Hamdam Usmanovich

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In October 2016, it was the 100th anniversary of the birth of the Honored Scientist and Engineer of Uzbekistan, Doctor of Chemical Sciences, Professor Kh. U. Usmanov. Kh. U. Usmanov was one of the world’s leading specialists in macromolecular chemistry, who laid the foundation for the development of polymer chemistry in Uzbekistan, and his work made an invaluable contribution to global science. Kh. U. Usmanov was born on October 16, 1916, in Tashkent. In 1932, he graduated from secondary school and entered the Faculty of Chemistry at the Central Asian State University. In 1937, he graduated with honors and began working as an assistant at the university’s Chemistry Faculty while conducting research in graduate school. In 1937, his first scientific article titled "Physicochemical analysis of acetone-phenol, acetone-nitrobenzene binary liquid systems" was published. In 1941, Kh. U. Usmanov defended his dissertation for the degree of Candidate of Chemical Sciences on the topic "Decomposition potentials of aqueous salt solutions." During the Great Patriotic War, Kh. U. Usmanov served in the Soviet Army, defending his homeland and participating in battles to liberate European countries from fascism. In 1946, Kh. U. Usmanov became an associate professor in the Physical Chemistry Department of SGAU. He lectured on chemical thermodynamics, physical chemistry, and began researching polymer chemistry. In Uzbekistan, research in the chemistry and physics of cellulose has immense economic significance. While a lecturer, Kh. U. Usmanov focused on studying cotton fibers. In 1948, Kh. U. Usmanov combined his teaching work with research at the Institute of Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, where he was a doctoral candidate. In 1950, Kh. U. Usmanov established the first laboratory for natural polymers in Uzbekistan. A significant role in the formation of his scientific interests was played by the renowned scientist, Academician V.A. Kargin, who later became his mentor. Using methods of thermodynamics and vacuum dynamometry, Kh. U. Usmanov studied the reasons for the differences in the physicochemical, mechanical, and operational properties of natural cotton cellulose and hydrate cellulose, demonstrating the importance of increasing the density of molecular packing and orientation. This research laid the foundation for his doctoral dissertation. In 1954, Kh. U. Usmanov successfully defended his dissertation on the "Causes of differences in the physicochemical properties of cotton and hydrate cellulose fibers." In 1955, he was awarded the title of professor. Kh. U. Usmanov headed the Physical Chemistry Department at SGAU starting in 1954. In 1956, he became a corresponding member of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan and, in 1966, an academician. Kh. U. Usmanov’s scientific work was closely related to the chemistry, physics, and technology of cotton cellulose and the integrated use of cotton processing waste. Kh. U. Usmanov's scientific achievements were highly regarded internationally, and he actively participated in various international symposia and conferences, presenting his work on polymer chemistry, cellulose chemistry, and radiation chemistry. Kh. U. Usmanov was awarded several medals and orders for his service to the country, including five orders and eight medals, including combat awards. In 1966, he was named "Honored Scientist of Uzbekistan." His scientific legacy continues through his students and the scientific schools he founded.

Date: Nov. 27, 2024