Warrick joined Dow Corning in 1943. In the early days of
World War II, while investigating methods for producing
synthetic rubber, Warrick combined
silicone oil with
boric oxide. This resulted in a pliable, elastic, nontoxic substance that was not suitable as a rubber substitute. Its potential as a toy was recognized by a toy store owner and was successfully marketed as
Silly Putty. Warrick played a central role in the invention and development of
silicone rubber. He later managed an operation that produced
silicon for microchips. He retired from Corning in 1976, having produced 44 patents. In retirement, he twice served as acting dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Technology at
Saginaw Valley State University in
Midland, Michigan. == Death ==