Accidental Discovery Files (#3)

While working on photosensitive glass, Dr. S. Donald Stokely accidentally overheated a sample.  The resulting product resisted breakage when dropped and could be used directly on the cooktop.  The material was called Pyroceram and was marketed as CorningWare.

Source: Wikipedia

Another Accidental Discovery

Another accident that led to an important product was the discovery of polytetrafluoroethylene.  While attempting to develop a new refrigerant, perfluoroethelyne polymerized inside a pressurized container.

Brilliant Screw Ups

The Mental Floss blog details 8 screw-ups that led to important scientific discoveries.  It turns out that researchers at DuPont were playing around when the boss was out when they discovered the nylon rope trick.

And, for those who just can't clean up after themselves and need justification for their managers, the discoveries of penicillin and photography were accomplished by messy scientists.