Wallace Carothers, US chemist C018 / 0621
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Wallace Carothers, US chemist C018 / 0621
Wallace Hume Carothers (1896-1937), US industrial chemist, handling a sample of neoprene. Carothers studied at the University of Illinois, receiving his doctorate in 1924. In 1927, he left academia and joined DuPont to direct fundamental research in organic chemistry. He worked on polymers at the DuPont Experimental Station near near Wilmington, Delaware. By 1930, his team had invented neoprene. This synthetic rubber had a high tensile strength and higher resistance to heat than the natural product. The same year, his team also invented a new fibre that was called nylon. Carothers, severely manic-depressive, committed suicide in 1937
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9236805
© HAGLEY ARCHIVE / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1900s 1930 1930s Chemist Delaware Depressive Discoverer Discovering Discovery Inventor Materials Science New Material North American Nylon Organic Chemistry Portrait Researching Sample Scientist Stretch Stretching Suicide Laboratory Manic Depression Organic Chemist Wilmington
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the brilliant mind of Wallace Carothers, a renowned American chemist who made groundbreaking contributions to the field of materials science. In this monochrome portrait, Carothers is seen delicately handling a sample of neoprene, one of his remarkable inventions. Born in 1896, Carothers pursued his studies at the University of Illinois and earned his doctorate in 1924. Intrigued by organic chemistry, Carothers joined DuPont in 1927 to lead fundamental research on polymers at their Experimental Station near Wilmington, Delaware. It was here that he and his team achieved an extraordinary feat - inventing neoprene in 1930. This synthetic rubber possessed exceptional tensile strength and superior heat resistance compared to its natural counterpart. Not only did Carothers revolutionize the world with neoprene; he also played a pivotal role in another groundbreaking discovery that same year - nylon. His relentless dedication to scientific exploration led him to develop this new fiber which would go on to transform industries worldwide. Despite his incredible achievements, Carothers battled severe manic-depressive disorder throughout his life. Tragically, he succumbed to depression and took his own life in 1937 at just forty-one years old. Through this powerful image captured by HAGLEY ARCHIVE / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY, we are reminded not only of Carother's immense contributions but also the profound impact mental health can have even on those who shape history.
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