Final answer:
DuPont first marketed nylon in 1938, a synthetic thermoplastic polymer developed by Wallace Hume Carothers. It saw wide use in World War II for military supplies and later in consumer products. Despite dominance in specific markets, DuPont successfully defended against monopoly charges by demonstrating a smaller market share in the broader context of flexible packaging materials.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Fabric First Marketed by DuPont in 1938
The fabric that DuPont first marketed in 1938 is nylon. Originally developed by Wallace Hume Carothers, nylon was the first commercially successful synthetic thermoplastic polymer. DuPont began their research in 1927, leading to the creation of the first example of nylon on February 28, 1935. Nylon became a prominent material during World War II, replacing silk in military supplies such as parachutes, ropes, and vehicle tires, and later in commercial products like women's stockings and toothbrush bristles.
DuPont's presence in the synthetic fabric industry expanded further with the creation of other fibers like Orlon and Kevlar, contributing to their notable position in the market of flexible packaging materials. Despite their significant market share in certain areas, such as 75% of cellophane, the Supreme Court dismissed anti-monopoly accusations in 1956, acknowledging DuPont's lesser share in the broader market of flexible packaging materials.