How was kevlar accidentally invented?

About this episode

This episode explores the accidental invention of Kevlar and its various applications in safety gear and materials.

How do you turn a weird cloudy liquid into something stronger than steel? This week we’re telling the story of Kevlar: the chemistry breakthrough that led to bulletproof vests, firefighter gear, reinforced tires, and so much more. Along the way we talk polymers, hydrogen bonding, accidental discoveries, and the chemist who almost went to medical school instead.

People in this episode

Hosts: Melissa, Jam

Topics covered

• Kevlar
• polymers
• accidental discoveries
• chemistry breakthroughs
• bulletproof vests
• firefighter gear

Keywords

• Kevlar
• chemistry
• polymers
• bulletproof vests
• accidental invention
• firefighter gear
• hydrogen bonding

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: medical school

Products: Kevlar

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