When was scotchgard invented

Accidents have been responsible for a great number of American inventions, from the implantable cardiac pacemaker to the microwave oven to silly putty. Like Gertrude Elion, Sherman found that after World War II large corporations were becoming a bit more open-minded about hiring women scientists. In she accepted an offer from 3M to work at their research labs in the newly expanding field of fluoro-chemicals.

Early in her career at 3M, as part of an effort to invent a new kind of rubber for use in jet aircraft fuel lines, Sherman had created a synthetic latex emulsion.

Sherman and the rest of her team found that, try as they might, they could not wash the latex off of the shoe. Most Popular Articles. Latest Articles. See Online Courses. FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! All Topics Email Article. All rights reserved. Inventors Scotchgard - Patsy Sherman. In some studies, the chemicals have been shown to cause cancer and liver and thyroid problems in animals, but no adverse health effects have been found in humans.

Sherman graduated in from Minneapolis North High School. In the early s, she earned bachelor's degrees in chemistry and mathematics at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn. In , she began work as a chemist at 3M, later becoming a laboratory manager. In the mids, she developed and ran the company's technical education department. As a member of professional groups, Sherman spoke before school groups and others, encouraging young people to go into science as a career.

She said in a Star Tribune article that her father set an example with his own scientific curiosity and encouraged and challenged her. They can do anything anybody else can do," she said. In addition to her daughters, she is survived by her sister, Mary Betty Stevens of Ottumwa, Iowa, and two granddaughters.

Services will be held at 11 a. Visitation will be held at a. Friday at the church. Home All Sections. Log In Welcome, User. Coronavirus Minneapolis St. Paul Duluth St. Study: Mpls. Paul minimum wage increases led to loss of restaurant jobs.