Rev. Julius A. Nieuwland

Synthetic Rubber (Neoprene)—He invented the first synthetic rubber, Neoprene, manufactured by the Du Pont Company, whose outstanding properties—including resistance to abrasion, wear, cutting, chipping, tearing, and high and low temperatures—have made it popular in many industries. Rev. Nieuwland has the distinction of being the only Catholic priest in the National Inventors Hall of Fame. (1996)