Skip to main content
Notice: The Library is open for research by appointment only, please visit our research services page for more information.

History of Kevlar oral history interviews

Creation: 2014-2015
 Collection
Accession: 2014-249
View this collection online in the Hagley Digital Archives.
View this collection online in the Hagley Digital Archives.

Abstract

Kevlar is a synthetic fiber developed by chemists Stephanie Kwolek (1923-2014), Paul Morgan (1911-1992), and Herbert Blades in 1965 while working at the DuPont Company. The oral histories presented here document the research and development processes that transformed Kevlar from a novel polymer in the laboratory to a life-changing product in the marketplace.

Dates

  • Creation: 2014-2015

Creator

Extent

457.5 Gigabytes

General Physical Description

97 MOV files, 27 MXF files, 27 XML files.

Historical Note

Kevlar is a synthetic fiber developed by chemists Stephanie Kwolek (1923-2014), Paul Morgan (1911-1992), and Herbert Blades in 1965 while working at the DuPont Company. Kwolek developed the liquid crystal polymer and Blades developed a process for spinning the fiber. Originally developed with the intent to be used in tires, the unique strength of the fiber made clear numerous other applications. Kevlar is a fiber five times stronger ounce for ounce than steel, but about half the density of fiberglass. Kevlar was first sold commercially in 1971. Best known for its use in protective vests and body armor, Kevlar is also used in optical-fiber cable, and sporting equipment. There are approximately 200 applications of Kevlar.

Scope and Content

The oral histories presented here document the research and development processes that transformed Kevlar from a novel polymer in the laboratory to a life-changing product in the marketplace. Through many surprising twists and turns, the people profiled here managed to make Kevlar serve the complicated and occasionally contradictory interests of the DuPont Company, scientific inquiry, the marketplace, and the general public

Existence and Location of Originals

This collection is available in the Hagley Digital Archives.

Access Restrictions

This collection is open for research.

Language of Materials

English

Related Names

Subject

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title:
History of Kevlar oral history interviews
Date:
2017
Description rules:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description:
English
Script of description:
Latin
Sponsor:
Special thanks to the 1916 Foundation, the friends and family of Mary Laird Silvia, and individual donors for support of this project.

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the Audiovisual Collections Repository

Contact:
PO Box 3630
Wilmington Delaware 19807 USA
302-658-2400