Stephanie Kwolek

Stephanie Kwolek was an American chemist and inventor. She was born in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, in 1923. She invented Kevlar, a material five times stronger than steel by weight. Kevlar is used in bulletproof vests and has saved thousands of lives.

Early Life

Kwolek was interested in science and fashion from a young age. She wanted to be a doctor but could not afford medical school. She took a temporary job at the chemical company DuPont. She ended up staying for 40 years.

Chemist Stephanie Kwolek talking about her Kevlar invention.
Chemist Stephanie Kwolek talking about her Kevlar invention. (Staff videographer / Wikimedia Commons)

Big Achievements

In 1965, Kwolek created an unusual fiber that was incredibly strong. Other scientists told her to throw it away, but she insisted on testing it. The result was Kevlar, which is used in bulletproof vests, helmets, tires, and even spacecraft. Her discovery has saved thousands of police officers and soldiers.

Fun Facts

  • Kevlar is five times stronger than steel for its weight.
  • Kwolek almost threw away the mixture that became Kevlar because it looked strange.
  • She was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 1995.

Did You Know?

Kwolek's invention of Kevlar is used in over 200 products, from bulletproof vests to bicycle tires to bridge cables. She said the best part of her career was knowing her invention saved lives.