Deriagin, Boris

Born July 27 (Aug. 9), 1902, in Moscow. Soviet scientist in the field of physical chemistry and molecular physics; corresponding member of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR (1946). Graduated from Moscow State University in 1922. Since 1935 he has been the director of the laboratory of thin layers (now the division of surface phenomena) of the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR.

Deriagin developed the teaching on surface forces and their effect on the properties of disperse systems (colloids, foams , soils, and aerosols). He originated the theory of colloidal stability, direct measurements of the molecular attraction of solids, studies of the special properties of the boundary layers of fluids (boundary phases) and the interaction between gases and aerosol particles and solid surfaces, the molecular theory of friction, and the theory of adhesion of solids. Together with N. A. Krotova he investigated electroadhesive phenomena.

Filamentary diamond crystals—diamond “whiskers”—were first synthesized (at low pressures) under Deriagin’s supervision, and methods of growing diamond crystals and powders from gas at low pressures were developed. He was awarded the M. V. Lomonosov Prize of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR in 1958. He has been awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labor, as well as medals.