Du Pont Introduces Neoprene
At a glance:
- Series: Great Events: 1900-2001
- Categories: Science, Technology, Inventions
- Subcategories: Inventors, Chemistry, Chemists
- Curriculum: American History 1901-1950
- Geographical Location: Ohio
- Date: November 3, 1931
Article abstract: Du Pont’s introduction of neoprene, the first usable synthetic rubber, gave a boost to polymer chemistry and the search for new materials.
Synthetic Rubber: A Mirage?
The growing dependence of the industrialized nations upon elastomers (elastic substances) and the shortcomings of natural rubber motivated the twentieth century quest for rubber substitutes. By 1914, rubber had become nearly as indispensable as coal or iron. The rise of the automobile industry, in particular, had created a strong demand for rubber. Unfortunately, the...
[The entire page is 992 words long]
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