Harry Wesley Coover Jr. (March 6, 1917 – March 26, 2011) was an American inventor and chemist, best known as the co-inventor of Super Glue (cyanoacrylate adhesives). His groundbreaking work significantly impacted the fields of chemistry, industry, and consumer products.
Early Life and Education
Born in Newark, Delaware, Coover earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Hobart College in 1941. He went on to receive his Master of Science and Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Iowa State University in 1944.Career and the Invention of Super Glue
After completing his education, Coover joined Eastman Kodak as a research chemist. It was during his tenure at Eastman Kodak that his most famous invention came to fruition.The initial discovery of cyanoacrylates occurred by accident in 1942, during World War II. Coover and his team were attempting to develop clear plastic gun sights for aircraft. A substance they were experimenting with, methyl alpha-cyanoacrylate, was found to be incredibly sticky and bonded to everything it touched. At the time, this extreme stickiness was considered a flaw, and the material was shelved as unusable.
The potential of cyanoacrylates as an adhesive was not realized until nine years later, in 1951. Coover was supervising a project at Eastman Kodak where his team, including Fred Joyner, was searching for a heat-resistant material for jet canopies. Joyner inadvertently applied cyanoacrylate to a refractometer, and it bonded immediately. This time, Coover recognized the unique properties of the compound – its ability to form strong bonds instantly without the need for heat or pressure.
Coover championed the commercial development of the adhesive, which was first sold as "Eastman 910" in 1958. It quickly became known by its popular brand name, "Super Glue," and revolutionized the adhesive industry due to its versatility and strength.
Other Contributions
Beyond Super Glue, Coover held 460 patents during his career. His other notable inventions and contributions included efforts in synthesizing organic chemicals, research in polymer chemistry, and the development of new plastics.Legacy and Recognition
Coover's invention of Super Glue has had a profound impact across various sectors, from industrial manufacturing and consumer repairs to medical applications, where it is used in surgical procedures and wound closure.His contributions were widely recognized:
- In 2004, Coover was inducted into the [[National Inventors Hall of Fame]].
- In 2009, he was awarded the [[National Medal of Technology and Innovation]] by President [[Barack Obama]], the highest honor bestowed by the United States government for technological achievement.