Gustavus John Esselen (1888–1952) was an American chemist notable for his work with anhydride curing agent development and improving polyvinyl butyral for commercialized laminated glass.
During his career, he was part of the American Chemical Society (ACS) for 43 years, serving in roles including chairman of the Northeastern Section and councilor and direction of the national organization.
[2] In 1930 he founded Gustavus J. Esselen, Inc., which, following a merger, became Esselen Research Division of United States Testing Co., Inc.[1] Among the successful projects for industrial clients he was involved with was the development of anhydride curing agents for epoxy resins and polyvinyl butyral as an improved material for the subsequent commercialization of laminated glass for use in vehicles etc.
[1] Esselen was a member of the American Chemical Society for 43 years, twice chairman of the Northeastern Section (1922–23) and served as councilor and director of the national organization.
The award of $5,000 annually recognizes[4] "a chemist whose scientific and technical work has contributed to the public well-being, and has thereby communicated positive values of the chemical profession.