QUEEN HONORS POLYMER BANKNOTE PIONEER DAVID SOLOMON

The development of the polymer banknote was the result of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) approaching senior scientists to design a more secure note following the forgery of A$800,000 worth of A$10 notes in 1966.

In 1968 Solomon was working as a chemist for Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organisation’s (CSIRO). Initially, polymers were not seen as the solution, but after some hesitation, largely prompted by Solomon’s junior status, he was invited to join the team.

According to Solomon, it was a lengthy and frustrating process. “This was largely due the RBA being a conservative organisation, and one that could not make the shift from being an entity that imported paper and inks for banknotes to one that exports.”

“The RBA’s senior technical people also had difficulty translating the technology into practice. Their focus was on accurate printing, which was not going to address the security issue.”

With no funding, and still having to carry out his normal duties, Solomon persevered with developing the plastic film. It wasn’t until 1983, that the RBA’s new Governor, Bob Johnston, made the decision to introduce Australia’s first polymer banknote.

Solomon continued: “Production was carried out in secret to prove we could do it.”

The development work was a success and in 1988 Australia’s first plastic note was currency – the bicentennial A$10 note.”

Solomon warned the RBA that whilst polymer notes are more difficult to counterfeit, constant vigilance would be required to keep one step ahead of the forgers, and the bank now employs several chemical engineers and scientists in its plant in Melbourne.

Solomon went on to say, “Over 30 countries have now adopted polymer banknotes, and the UK will issue its first plastic notes in September.”

Solomon has a strong industry background and is an advocate for bringing academia and business closer together. His pioneering work prompted many chemical engineering departments around the world to embrace polymer studies.

Solomon’s advice to emerging chemical engineers is: “Always do science well, and take the project as far as you need to convince the customer it is viable.”

To read the complete article, see:
Queen honours plastic banknote pioneer (www.thechemicalengineer.com/latest%20news/2016/june/queen-birthday-honour-for-plastic-banknote-pioneer.aspx)

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
ARTICLE PROFILES POLYMER BANKNOTE INVENTOR DAVID SOLOMON (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v19n24a28.html)

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