The History of Chemistry

66: Plastic Dreams

Steve Cohen Episode 66

The 1960s continued to bring forth new polymers: Stephanie Kwolek, and Kevlar; Wilfred Sweeney and Nomex; USDA and superabsorbent polymers; ionomers; polysulfones; Carl Marvel and polybenzimidazole fibers; and a now-global innovation using polyethylene. We hear about all these polymers, their molecular structures, and the people who developed them. Become a Patreon supporter, and download a supplemental sheet showing their molecular structures.

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