She Invented That A digital museum of women in science

Scientist Exhibit

Stephanie Kwolek

Chemistry • Engineering

1923 – 2014 United States

Discovered the liquid-crystalline polymer solution that led to Kevlar

Overview Institutions
Stephanie Kwolek

Overview

About Stephanie Kwolek

Stephanie Kwolek was a chemist whose polymer research at DuPont led to Kevlar, an exceptionally strong and lightweight synthetic fibre. While searching for materials suitable for high-performance tyres, she produced an unusual liquid-crystalline polymer solution and persuaded colleagues to spin it into fibre. The resulting material had remarkable strength and heat resistance. Kevlar later found applications in protective equipment, cables, vehicles, aerospace systems, and many other technologies.

Scientific Contribution

Key Discovery

Liquid-crystalline polymer solution leading to Kevlar

Discovery of an unusual liquid-crystalline polymer solution that led to the high-strength fibre Kevlar.

Life Timeline

Important Moments

1946

career

Joins DuPont as a chemist

After graduating in chemistry from Carnegie Institute of Technology, Kwolek joined DuPont's Textile Fibers Department.

1965

discovery

Discovers the liquid-crystalline polymer system that leads to Kevlar

Kwolek discovered unusual liquid-crystalline polymer solutions that could be spun into fibres of extraordinary strength and stiffness.

1966

invention

Patents the high-strength fibre technology

Kwolek's polymer research led to patented fibre technology that DuPont later commercialised as Kevlar.

1986

career

Retires from DuPont

Kwolek retired as a research associate after four decades at DuPont, while continuing to consult and support scientific organisations.

1995

award

Is inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame

Kwolek was inducted for the breakthrough polymer research that led to Kevlar fibre.

Places & Networks

Institutions