#5: Stephanie Kwolek – Kevlar
While developing lightweight fibers for tires in 1964, Stephanie Kwolek created a cloudy solution that resulted in Kevlar, a fiber five times stronger than steel by weight. Kevlar’s strength comes from its rod-like molecules, which align in the same direction, making it incredibly tough and heat-resistant, transfiguring material science and lead to bulletproof vests and helmets.
