Stephanie Louise Kwolek is an American chemist who invented poly-paraphenylene terephtalamide -- better known as Kevlar. In 1964, in anticipation of a gasoline shortage, her group began searching for a lightweight yet strong fiber to be used in tires. The polymers she had been working with at the time formed liquid crystal while in solution, something unique to those polymers at the time. However, Kwolek persuaded technician Charles Smullen to test her solution. She was amazed to find that the new fiber would not break when nylon typically would and Kevlar was born. Kevlar is now used in a variety of applications including in the bulletproof vests worn by police and soliders.
This book provides an introduction to Kwolek's life, her amazing invention, and its many uses.
Recommended Age | 8 - 10 |
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Author | Edwin Brit Wyckoff |
ISBN | 0766041417 |
Publication Date | Sep 1, 2013 |
Publisher | Enslow Elementary |
Series Name | Genius at Work! Great Inventor Biographies |
Language | English |