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Dr. Daniel W. Fox
Dr. Daniel W. Fox is the inventor of GE’s LEXAN® polycarbonate.
In 1953, after conducting a series of experiments while working on a project to develop new wire insulation material, Dr. Fox found himself with a gooey substance that hardened in a beaker. Despite his best efforts, he found he could not break or destroy the material. LEXAN polycarbonate was born and has continued to revolutionize our lives, work and play.
Dr. Fox is recognized around the world as one of the pioneers of engineering plastics. His invention of LEXAN resin was the beginning of GE’s engineering thermoplastics business and was a breakthrough in materials technology. Today it is GE Plastics’ flagship product and is used in products ranging from CDs and DVDs, to automobiles, computer housing, cell phones, jetliners, astronaut helmets and bullet resistant window glazing.
Dr. Fox joined GE in 1953 in Schenectady N.Y. and worked for GE for 35 years. He is the holder of 44 patents. In addition to LEXAN resin, he also initiated the technical development of programs for Noryl® polyphenylene ether polymers and polybutylene terephthalate polymers, which later evolved into GE’s Valox ® resin business. Dr. Fox received GE’s first Steinmetz Award in 1973 and was inducted into the Plastics Hall of Fame in 1976.
A keen eye for talent, Dr. Fox hired many people who later became leaders in GE. Indeed, former GE Chairman and CEO John F.Welch is one of those who point with pride to having been hired by Dr. Fox.
Dr. Fox received his B.S. degree from Lebanon Valley College in Annville, PA and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Oklahoma in Norman. Although he officially retired from GE in June 1988, he continued his active work in polymer development up until his death in February 1989.