Born: 1930 (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Died: 2008
Biography:
Patsy O’Connell Sherman (September 15, 1930– February 11, 2008) was an American chemist and co-inventor of Scotchgard, a 3M brand of products, known for being a stain repellent and durable water repellent.
Sherman was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and graduated from Minneapolis North High School in 1948. During her high school years, an aptitude test suggested that she would be best suited for a career as a housewife. However, Sherman refused to accept this limitation and demanded to take the same test as male students. The alternative test indicated her potential in dentistry or science, which ignited her interest in pursuing a scientific career.
In 1952, Sherman earned bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and mathematics at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. Her education formed a strong foundation for her future work in the field of chemistry.
She began her career at 3M in 1952 and made significant contributions to the company. Alongside Samuel Smith, Sherman co-invented Scotchgard, a stain repellent developed by accident. Initially assigned to develop a rubber for jet fuel hoses, a sample of fluorochemical rubber was accidentally spilled on an assistant’s shoe. Despite extensive efforts to remove the rubber, Sherman and her team realized it could be utilized as a repellant for oil, water, and other solvents.
Sherman and Smith received a patent in 1971 for their invention of block and graft copolymers containing water-solvatable polar groups and fluoroaliphatic groups. During her time at 3M, Sherman amassed a total of 13 patents in fluorochemical polymers and polymerization processes.
In 1974, Sherman became the first woman to be named to the Carlton Society, 3M’s Hall of Fame. She was recognized for her groundbreaking surface energy research leading to the development of the 3M™ Scotchgard™ Fabric Protectant, as well as her contributions to fluorochemical polymerization and polymer synthesis.
Despite her numerous achievements, Sherman continued to improve and expand the Scotchgard product line at 3M. She eventually became a laboratory manager and played a vital role in the development of the company’s technical education department in the mid-1980s.
In October 2002, Sherman was invited to speak at the 200th anniversary celebration of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Alongside notable figures such as Steve Wozniak, the inventor of the Apple computer, she shared her insights into the process of invention. During her speech, Sherman emphasized the importance of encouraging and teaching young people to be observant and ask questions when unexpected events occur. She highlighted the significant discoveries and inventions that have happened through serendipity, such as Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin.
Throughout her career, Sherman served as an outspoken advocate for women in science. She believed that girls should pursue their dreams and emphasized that they are just as capable as anyone else. Sherman inspired countless young women to pursue careers in the sciences and challenged societal norms regarding women’s potential in the field.
Patsy O’Connell Sherman’s contributions to the field of chemistry, particularly her invention of Scotchgard, have had a lasting impact on society. Her innovative work in stain and water repellency has revolutionized the textile industry and continues to be widely used today.
Awards:
– Carlton Society induction, 3M’s Hall of Fame, 1974.