The History of Plastics Plastic Tech 1
Introduction Plastics are said to be the most versatile materials on earth. Almost all of the products we use in our daily lives contain plastics. How has the plastic industry changed the world we live in?
Early Stages of Plastic Goes back as far as the Egyptians. Would wrap their dead with cloth and resin which would harden into a shell. Would stop the body from decaying. Greek word plastikos Keratin First natural plastic used in the United States Made from fingernails, animal hoofs, horns, turtle shells Early combs
Rubber’s Helping Hand Charles Goodyear's 1839 Vulcanization process for natural rubber Adding sulfur enhanced the elasticity and strength of the natural rubber “hard rubber” Process is still used today
The Modern Era Alexander Parkes 1862 Developed the first early semi-synthetic plastic Parkesine Could be heated and formed Buttons, combs, small picture frames, pens High cost to manufacture slowed the growth
John Wesley Hyatt Celluloid 1868 John Wesley Hyatt First semi-synthetic commercial plastic Developed as a substitute for Ivory Combs, shirt collars & cuffs, billiard balls, film Very flammable material
Dr. Leo Baekeland Phenol-formaldehyde “Bakelite” 1909 First 100% synthetic plastic Excellent electrical properties replaced rubber for insulation Used for early records, phones, camera parts Thermoset resin
War Developments New plastics were developed due to limited natural materials Rubber, Steel & Copper War effort products Airplane fabrics, gas masks, canteens, radar cable insulation, synthetic rubber
Post War Developments War developments increased plastic production tremendously 1960’s 6 billion lbs. Polystyrene Furniture parts, packaging, toys Nylon Gears, rope, fishing line, stockings
Post War Developments Polyethylene Teflon Polyurethanes Polycarbonate Hoola Hoop, plastic bottle, paint brush Teflon “Frictionless”- Du Pont Invention Polyurethanes Flexible foam - cushions, dashboards Polycarbonate Replaced glass- stronger
Current Day Since 1960’s the industry has grown +-15% annually 1983 the production surpassed iron & steel Packaging industry is largest market for plastics Plastic bottles, Tupperware, product packaging
Why or why not Plastic? Advantages: Light, strong, flexible, or rigid, colored or clear, will not rust or corrode, electrical properties, inexpensive Disadvantages: poor tolerance to heat, hard to repair, non-biodegradable
Review What was the name of the first all natural plastic? Who developed the first commercial plastic? What was the name of the plastic that was developed in 1909 which revolutionized the plastic industry? What industry is the largest user of plastic? Keratin John Wesley Hyatt Bakelite Packaging