It’s so strong it can stop a bullet. It’s so light it can shave 800 pounds off an aircraft frame. It’s so smooth it’s used on skis to improve their performance as a skier glides gracefully down a mountain. It’s Kevlar, and it was invented in 1971 by a research scientist named Stephanie Kwolek.

Stephanie grew up in Pennsylvania, where she inherited her love for fabrics and sewing from her mother. She also loved science and graduated with a degree in chemistry from Morrison Carnegie College in 1946. She got a job at Dupont Chemical Company as one of  only a handful of women working in the chemical industry.

While searching for a chemical compound that would make radial tires lighter and could weather the most extreme conditions, after nine years she found one that she thought had unusually strong properties. Once she had perfected it she took it to a technician so it could be spun into fiber. The technician at first refused to spin her compound, fearing the mixture would clog his machine.

Stephanie prodded and persuaded him and after several weeks he finally agreed to spin her solution. Once the fibers were made she had them tested for strength and was astonished with the results.  It turned out she had invented a remarkable new technology that would change not only the world of polymer fiber, but be used in over 200 everyday products.

Stephanie had invented a product that would be named Kevlar, which is a plastic with strength and durability five times stronger than steel. It is resistant to chemicals and flame and its invention has saved innumerable lives.

All you need  to  do is look around and you’ll see Kevlar being used on merchandise everywhere; including  bullet proof vests, frying pans, sailboats, rackets, racing cars and running shoes.

So, as you’re enjoying your sailboat on a warm sunny day, or strapping on your athletic shoes to go for a run in the park, thank a woman. Thank Stephanie Kwolek.