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			Donald Fletcher Holmes Born Sep 29 1910 - Died Oct 13 1980 Process for Making Polymeric Products and for Modifying Polymeric Products Polyurethane Patent Number(s) 2,284,896 Inducted 1991 William Edward Hanford and Donald Fletcher Holmes invented the process for making the multipurpose material polyurethane. Holmes teamed up with Edward Hanford at E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company, receiving their polyurethane patent in 1942. The process they developed reacts polyols and related hydroxy compounds with di-isocyanates. This method is the basis today for the manufacture of all polyurethanes. They received their polyurethane patent in 1942. Invention Impact This method is the basis today for the manufacture of all polyurethanes. Flexible polyurethane foam is used as an upholstery material, and the rigid foam is commonly used as a heat-insulating material in homes, offices, and refrigerators. Polyurethane is also used in life-saving artificial hearts, safety padding in modern automobiles, and in carpeting. Inventor Bio Born in Woodbury, New Jersey, Holmes received his B.S. in Organic Chemistry from Amherst College in 1931. He received a master's and doctorate from the University of Illinois. Holmes teamed up with Edward Hanford at E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company, receiving their polyurethane patent in 1942. Holmes remained with Du Pont, working in the textile divisions until just before his death on October 13, 1980.