In 1923 the world was introduced to a newborn child that would discover one of the most useful materials known in our existence. This substance is Kevlar; a highly durable and strong polymer used in various applications of today.

Stephanie Kwolek was a bright and insightful woman. As a child she dreamed of being a doctor and decided to pursue her passion. She attended the Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh in a special women’s division. After attaining her Bachelors degree in chemistry in 1946 her dream of entering the medical field was impossible due to a lack of funds. Not wanting to lose her passion she decided to take a job at DuPont textile fibres research laboratory situated in Buffalo, New York.

During her time working at DuPont’s laboratory she earned a good reputation from her intellect and was transferred to their newly opened research facility situated in Wilmington, Delaware in 1950’s. Kwolek was immediately involved in the research and fabrication of new polymers.

Her first project was specializing in the fabrication of condensation polymers. She took a new approach towards this; she created the polymers by using low temperature that made petroleum-based synthetic fibres. These fibres were very strong and rigid. Kwolek continued her research into the 1960s and discovered what would lead to the creations or Kevlar, liquid crystalline polymers. There was only one problem; the intermediate (A substance formed as a necessary stage in the manufacture of a desired end product) was too susceptible to degradation from heat and moisture and too often self-polymerized and hydrolyzed. This was a problem because the final product was difficult to reliably make.

During the year of 1965 Kwolek found a solution. She created a reliable solvent and a new way of using low-temperature conditions to polymerize the intermediates. Her result was a runny and cloudy liquid aramid polymer. Her peers were doubtful of the idea as they were more interested in a thicker, clear liquid. But Kwolek decided to spin the aramid and by doing so, she created a remarkably strong material that we know today as Kevlar.