 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (August 2019) |
William Edward "Butch" Hanford | |
|---|---|
| Born | 9 December 1908 Bristol, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | 27 January 1996 (aged 87) |
| Alma mater | Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science University of Illinois |
| Known for | Co-inventor of the process to develop multipurpose material polyurethane |
| Awards | Chemical Pioneers Award (1967) American Institute of Chemists Gold Medal (1974) National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductee (1991) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Chemistry |
| Institutions | Rohm and Haas, DuPont, General Aniline and Film, M. W. Kellogg Company, Olin Corporation |
| Doctoral advisor | Roger Adams |
William Edward "Butch" Hanford (December 9, 1908 – January 27, 1996) was an American chemist who is best known for developing the modern process to make multipurpose material polyurethane. Hanford's most notable discovery occurred while working with fellow chemist Donald Fletcher Holmes at DuPont. On June 2, 1942, Hanford was awarded a patent for his process. Currently, this method is responsible for manufacturing many of the plastics that are used in medicine, the automotive industry, and consumer products. Hanford's later accomplishments included the development of the first liquid household detergent and a new kind of ammunition for Winchester-Western Company. For his work, Hanford was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 1991. The New York Times has noted that Hanford's developments were "monumental."