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Studies in Industry and Society
Nylon and Bombs: DuPont and the March of Modern America
What do nylon stockings and atomic bombs have in common? DuPont. The chemical firm of DuPont de Nemours pioneered the development of both nylon and plutonium, playing an important role in the rise of mass consumption and the emergence of the notorious “military-industrial complex.” In this fascinating account of the lives and careers of Du Pont’s chemical engineers, Pap A. Ndiaye deftly illustrates the contribution of industry to the genesis of a dominant post–World War II “American model” connecting prosperity with security.
The consumer and military dimensions of twentieth-century American history are often studied separately. Ndiaye reunites them by examining Du Pont's development of nylon, which symbolized a new way of life, and plutonium, which was synonymous with annihilation. Reflecting on the experiences and contributions of the company's engineers and physicists, Ndiaye traces Du Pont's transformation into one of the corporate models of American success.
The consumer and military dimensions of twentieth-century American history are often studied separately. Ndiaye reunites them by examining Du Pont's development of nylon, which symbolized a new way of life, and plutonium, which was synonymous with annihilation. Reflecting on the experiences and contributions of the company's engineers and physicists, Ndiaye traces Du Pont's transformation into one of the corporate models of American success.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published December 20, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 4, 2026
Son of two generations of DuPont chemists...I am a ChemEng
A very interesting read for me grandpa was a PhD chemist in 1920s, dad wad PhD chemist thru 1980s, I am now a retired chem eng from chemical business. Many things about DuPont I absorbed growing up were put in perspective. Very interesting to see the development of chewing as a new profession,the development of nylon, the importance to company. Curious the impact of environmental issues which developed as I came of age professionally... TSCA, EPA,LOVE CANAL.... decline of industry until fracting release cheap energy in USA. A good read. I enjoyed my experience manufacturing novel materials and the challenges and rewards.
A very interesting read for me grandpa was a PhD chemist in 1920s, dad wad PhD chemist thru 1980s, I am now a retired chem eng from chemical business. Many things about DuPont I absorbed growing up were put in perspective. Very interesting to see the development of chewing as a new profession,the development of nylon, the importance to company. Curious the impact of environmental issues which developed as I came of age professionally... TSCA, EPA,LOVE CANAL.... decline of industry until fracting release cheap energy in USA. A good read. I enjoyed my experience manufacturing novel materials and the challenges and rewards.
October 8, 2021
Fascinating study
Drawn to read this book to learn more about Dupont,it provides a fascinating insight into the development of Chemical Engineering as a profession and the involvement of Dupont in the Manhattan Project. Well worth reading!
Drawn to read this book to learn more about Dupont,it provides a fascinating insight into the development of Chemical Engineering as a profession and the involvement of Dupont in the Manhattan Project. Well worth reading!
June 6, 2008
Not what I was looking for.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews