William Edward "Butch" Hanford (December 9, 1908 – January 27, 1996) was an American chemist who is best known for developing the modern process to make multipurpose material polyurethane.
Hanford's most notable discovery occurred while working with fellow chemist Donald Fletcher Holmes at DuPont.
Hanford's later accomplishments included the development of the first liquid household detergent and a new kind of ammunition for Winchester-Western Company.
Throughout his early education, Hanford focused primarily on his school work and sought to learn more about the scientific world around him.
Following his graduation, Hanford decided that he wanted to earn a college degree in chemistry, but he was unsure of which institution he should attend.
Because Hanford's uncle was a pharmacist who had already graduated from the school, he suggested that his nephew should attend the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science.
While attending the University of Illinois, Hanford also met other notable chemists including Carl Marvel, Reynold Fuson, and Ralph Shriner.
Once at DuPont, Hanford began to develop the processes that would win him numerous awards and allow him to hold over 120 patents.
Within a week, Hanford and his two assistants had found a solution that yielded ninety-six percent of Carothers’ desired polymer.
He soon began to work with di-isocyanates by studying reactions that contained hydroxyl, carboxyl, amide, and amine components.
Following the meeting, Holmes took Hanford's advice and together they developed the modern process for making multipurpose material polyurethane.
Three years after filing their original request, Hanford and Holmes were issued a patent for their process on June 2, 1942.
In addition to working on the actual formula for the detergent, Hanford also designed a better plastic bottle to hold the new product.
Hanford's research at the firm led to the discovery of a process that would lower the cost of ammonia production.
He also worked on one of the first synthetic fuel projects by conducting research to derive gasoline from carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and coal.
The development utilized Hanford’s polyurethane process to strengthen the shell while cutting production costs.
In 1973, Hanford retired from Olin Corporation to become a consultant for his son’s company, World Water Resources Incorporated.
Hanford’s process was revolutionary because he discovered that di-isocyanates and existing polyols would join together into compounds very quickly.
Other identifiable uses for polyurethane include Wilson tennis grips, Seiko watch-bands, Gorilla Glue, and Excel Adhesive.
He was able to make a very thin plastic shell casing that reduced the weight of the ammunition and cut production costs.
The polyurethane collar kept the inside of the shotgun barrel cleaner than previous types of ammunition after prolonged firing.
The collar also lessened the dispersion of the pellets when they left the barrel, thereby making the ammunition more effective for game hunting or sport shooting.
Most importantly, the Mark 5 shotgun shell delivered greater force than competing types of ammunition without increasing a weapon's recoil strength.
Together they had a son, William Edward Hanford Jr., who is currently a lawyer and owns World Water Resources Incorporated.
Despite the acclaim and importance of Hanford's polyurethane production process, he received no additional compensation for his patent from DuPont.
Hanford received a salary from the firm, but the company provided him with no additional payment because he was a corporate chemist.
Following his death, The New York Times published his obituary on January 31, 1996, and noted that his developments were “a tremendous breakthrough.” Hanford is survived by his wife, son, and two grandchildren.
Sports Illustrated, A New Shotgun Shell, The Mark 5, Has A Unique Polyethylene Collar That Gives Shooters More Power And Greater Range, [2].