1. The History of Plastics
Plastic Tech 1

2. 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?

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

14. 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