James Franklin Hyde

Profession: Inventor

Nationality:

Biography: James Franklin Hyde was an American chemist and inventor best known for his work on silicone, a class of synthetic materials that have found widespread use in a range of industries. As a scientist at Corning Glass Works, Hyde developed the first practical method for producing silicone, thus revolutionizing its commercial application.

Hyde's groundbreaking work in the field of silicone chemistry began in the early 1930s. His efforts were initially focused on the potential uses of silicone in insulating glass, but he quickly realized that the material had broader applications. By 1937, Hyde had succeeded in creating a process to produce silicone that was scalable and cost-effective, paving the way for its use in a wide variety of industrial and consumer products.

Beyond his work on silicone, Hyde made significant contributions to the development of fused silica, a type of glass with superior optical properties. His innovative techniques and processes in the field of material science have had long-lasting impacts, extending beyond the realm of chemistry into sectors as diverse as electronics, aviation, and medical devices. Hyde's work has helped shape the modern world and earned him a place in the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2000.

Born: March 11, 1903
Birthplace: Solvay, New York, USA

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Rabbit
Star Sign: Pisces

Died: October 11, 1999 (aged 96)
Cause of Death: Natural causes