Frederick J. Karol is an authority in resin polymerization who played a central role in the development and commercialization of the Unipol process for producing polyethylene.

Born in Norton, Massachusetts he received his B.A. degree from Boston University and Ph.D. degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Karol began his pioneering work in the 1960s with the development of organotransition metal catalysis systems to produce high-density polyethylene (HDPE) in a gas-phase, fluidized bed reactor. This involved directing the scale-up of the process to pilot plant and full-scale production.

In the early 1970s Karol identified the catalyst technology required to produce the first family of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) products, initially used for wire and cable insulation. He subsequently invented and developed a second family of catalysts for producing LLDPE film grades as alternatives to conventional high-pressure polyethylene products. A third generation of catalysts was developed in the early 1980s to produce grades with broader molecular weight distributions.

Karol has been instrumental in other programs aimed at developing improved polymerization routes, including the Unipol process for producing polypropylene. He was also involved in the development of low-modulus Flexomer PE products.

Karol is author or coauthor of 30 publications and 80 United States patents. He was elected a Fellow of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) for his outstanding contributions to the plastics industry, he received the SPE Engineering/Technology Award, and in 1990 he received the SPE's highest honor, the International Award. Other recognitions include the Perkin Medal for outstanding achievement in applied chemistry. He was inducted into the Plastics Hall of Fame in 1997