Fedor Nikolaevich Kaputsky (b. 10.01.1930, v. Selivonovka, Molodechno district, Minsk region – 24.12.2017), chemist. Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (1994; corresponding member since 1989), Doctor of Chemical Sciences (1984), Professor (1978). Honored Worker of Higher School of the BSSR (1976).
Scientific works in the field of structural and chemical modification of cellulose and its derivatives. He explained the effect of organic solvents of different nature on the reactivity of nitric oxide and cellulose, established the effect of amorphization of cellulose and proposed a mechanism for the selective oxidation of cellulose with nitrogen oxide and its direct dissolution in mixtures of nitrogen oxide with electron-donor solvents. Cellulose solutions in new solvents turned out to be suitable for the formation of films, membranes, the synthesis of cellulose derivatives. Labile cellulose derivatives characterized by high reactivity, allowing to regulate the structural state of the polymer and obtain practically important materials on its basis, have been identified and studied. Thermo-oxidative transformation of cellulosic materials modified with inorganic compounds, highly dispersed inorganic oxides, ceramic fibers, ferrites, superconducting fibers were synthesized. The results of many years of research on the mechanism of cellulose oxidation with nitric oxide, the influence of various factors on this process, the physicochemical and sorption properties of the resulting derivatives made it possible to develop and master the original production technology of oxidized cellulose and a number of effective prolonged action of drugs based on it that have hemostatic, antimicrobial proteolytic, immunostimulating, cardiotropic and other actions, as well as an effective enterosorbent in the form thixotropic hydrogel. Preferred options have been developed for organizing the production of our own cellulose semi-finished products in Belarus based on agricultural raw materials (straw of annual plants, etc.).
Author of more than 600 scientific papers, incl. 2 monographs, 2 textbooks, about 200 inventions.
Awarded with the Order "Badge of Honor" (1980), the Francisk Skaryna Medal (1996), the Medal.