#6: Scotchgard
In the 1950s, Patsy Sherman, a 3M chemist, embarked on creating a rubber-resistant material for jet fuel. An accidental spill transformed her mission, leading to a groundbreaking discovery. This accident sparked her curiosity, intensified her research, and shifted Sherman’s original project direction.
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A wayward experiment drop on Sherman’s shoe revealed the mixture’s unique qualities, resisting stains where it touched. By 1956, this discovery evolved into Scotchgard, revolutionizing fabric and furniture care by offering unparalleled water and stain resistance. Sherman and Samuel Smith were awarded patents in 1973 for their invention, twenty-one years after the initial accident, marking a significant milestone in material science.