In 1965, Stephanie Kwolek, a chemist at DuPont, developed Kevlar, a strong synthetic fiber that revolutionized safety equipment by being integral to bulletproof vests. However, its introduction also caused significant challenges for the rubber industry. Kevlar's durability and lightweight nature made it an appealing alternative to traditional materials in tires, threatening the rubber market and necessitating industrial adaptation. This breakthrough symbolized broader economic and industrial shifts in the 1960s.