Shatterproof Glass Wasn’t Always Shatterproof
Driving a car with regular glass would be risky and downright terrifying. So when Edouard Benedictus made an accidental discovery of shatterproof glass, it changed the world as we know it. Suddenly, something so fragile turned into something solid and reliable. You’ll find shatterproof glass in your car’s windshield.
When Benedictus was experimenting with cellulose nitrate in 1903, he dropped the flask by mistake. He expected the glass to shatter, but it didn’t. Even though it broke, it still maintained its shape. Somehow, the plastic coating helped maintain the glass’ shape, and thus, safety glass was born (Interesting Engineering).