Stephanie Kwolek

Stephanie Kwolek (1923–2014) was an American chemist whose research at DuPont led to Kevlar, a high-strength synthetic fiber.

Kevlar: A para-aramid synthetic fiber known for high tensile strength and resistance to heat. Kwolek discovered the polymer solution from which DuPont developed this fiber.
Para-aramid: A class of aromatic polyamides whose polymer chains have rigid, para-linked structures. Kevlar belongs to this class of fibers developed from Kwolek’s polymer research.
Bullet-resistant vest: A wearable garment designed to reduce injury from bullets using protective materials and construction. Kevlar became widely used in soft armor because its fibers absorb impact energy.
Polymer chemistry: The study of the synthesis, structure, properties, and reactions of polymers. Kwolek’s career centered on designing and investigating synthetic polymers.
DuPont: An American chemical company founded in 1802 that developed materials including nylon and Kevlar. Kwolek conducted the polymer research that led to Kevlar while working at DuPont.
Liquid-crystal polymer: A polymer whose molecules retain some ordered alignment in a liquid or melt state. Kwolek’s unusual polymer solution displayed liquid-crystalline behavior before spinning.
Ballistic helmet: A protective helmet designed to reduce injury from ballistic impacts and fragments. Kevlar composites have been used in helmets requiring strong, lightweight protection.
Women in chemistry: The history and contributions of women working in the chemical sciences. Kwolek built a long industrial chemistry career when women faced barriers in science.
Paul Morgan: An American chemist who helped develop Kevlar at DuPont after Stephanie Kwolek discovered its precursor polymer. Morgan and colleagues turned Kwolek’s laboratory discovery into a practical fiber.
Polymer chain: A long molecule built from repeating chemical units joined by covalent bonds. Kevlar’s strength depends on the structure and alignment of its polymer chains.

Linked from 2 pages

Bulletproof vestRelated: Her material enabled lighter, stronger flexible armor than earlier fibers.