Stephanie Kwolek, the inventor of DuPont Kevlar, died on Wednesday. She was 90.
The research chemist is credited with inventing the material in 1971. It remains one of the company’s best known and best selling technologies.
Kevlar is best known for its use in bulletproof vests. However, the material has gone into many products. Kowlek, was one of the few female scientists at DuPont at the time of the discovery.
U.S. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Delaware, issued the following statement: “Our world is a safer place because of Stephanie Kwolek’s incredible contributions to it. Ms. Kwolek was a legendary scientist and an important part of Delaware’s rich history of innovation. Kevlar body armor has saved countless lives in our communities and on our battlefields. Her legacy is an inspiration to women and girls interested in careers in science and technology, and her work will continue saving the lives of America’s bravest heroes.”
