Wallace H. Carothers and Fundamental Research at Du Pont

Abstract

In the Depression decade, the research group headed by Wallace H. Carothers made two discoveries-neoprene and nylon-that have had an enormous impact on E. I. du Pont de Nemours and industrial research generally. At the same time, Carothers's many publications helped establish the foundations of polymer science. A theoretical organic chemist, he left Harvard University to take part in Du Pont's new fundamental research program. Although founded on the academic model, it soon began to reflect its industrial setting. Some surprising experimental results, the research philosophy of a new research director, and the economic realities of the Great Depression pushed Du Pont's pure scientists toward more practical or mission-oriented goals. Nylon and neoprene emerged from this creative tension between chemists interested in science and management committed to innovation.

Strategic incentives to human capital

“…The reason is the spillovers α . Smith and Hounshell () also reveal that Carothers was offered a good salary, though not much higher than the salary he earned at Harvard ($5,000 vs. $3,200 per year). Moreover, DuPont did not have a long‐standing tradition, learning, or employees doing basic research, but it provided resources: “Regarding funds, the sky is the limit.…”

“…Moreover, DuPont did not have a long‐standing tradition, learning, or employees doing basic research, but it provided resources: “Regarding funds, the sky is the limit. I [Carothers] can spend as much as I please” (Smith and Hounshell, : 438). This suggests that we are closer to case 2 than case 3.…”

“…DuPont offered him considerable autonomy to induce him to accept the job and possibly to encourage him to exert more effort, not because he knew better than the firm which research directions would be most fruitful for the company. As Smith and Hounshell (: 436) note, “DuPont Chairman Lammot du Pont clearly”… denied that “the best direction of research is not to direct it.”…”

“…The basic research nature of Carothers's projects also implied that whatever he was going to produce could affect several downstream activities of the firm. Before Carothers, DuPont tried to hire more reputed scientists (Smith and Hounshell, ), but as our model predicts, the cost of providing them with incentives was too high, and in the end the firm turned to a younger, less reputed scientist.…”

Synthesis of Modified Polycaprolactams Obtained from Renewable Resources

“…Polyamides are mainly obtained by polycondensation of dicarboxylic acids and diamines from AA‐ and BB‐type or AB‐type monomers. For instance, the well‐known PA 6.6 is prepared by polycondensation of adipic acid and 1,6‐hexamethylene diamine, a process that was developed in 1936 by DuPont and brought to market as Nylon . Another method to synthesize polyamides is the ring‐opening polymerization of lactams.…”