History of Kevlar oral history interviews

About this collection

    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.
    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.
    The History of Kevlar oral history interviews (Accession 2014.249) collection documents the research and development processes that transformed Kevlar from a novel polymer in the laboratory to a life-changing product in the marketplace.
    Interviews were conducted by John Kenly Smith, PhD, in 2014 and 2015. Special thanks to the 1916 Foundation, the friends and family of Mary Laird Silvia, and individual donors for support of this project.

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Interview with Irénée du Pont, Jr., 2014 August 15
Irénée du Pont, Jr., describes his early life and later career with the DuPont Company. After World War II, he joined the DuPont Company where for the next two decades he held a variety of jobs. He describes his time on the DuPont executive committee, which he joined in 1967, during which the company had to deal with increasing competition, social unrest in Wilmington, equal opportunity legislation, and environmental regulation. Among other anecdotes, du Pont describes how his father, along with his brothers Lammot and Pierre, set off large fireworks displays at Fourth of July celebrations in the 1920s. He also remarks that he believes Pierre continued to play an important role in the affairs of the company until his death in 1954.