7

MILESTONES FROM THE CHILDHOOD OF PL ASTIC

1844

Charles Goodyear invents Rubber vulcanisation vulcanisation, making the material more durable.

1862

Alexander Parkes of the UK invents cellulose nitrate – clear plastic, which can be cast into a shape.

1870

John Wesley Hyatt of the US creates celluloid – strong, but flexible plastic, which is used in early film rolls, etc.

1907

Leo Baekeland invents the first fully synthetic plastic, bakelite, for use in consumer electronics.

1926

Chemist Waldo Semon makes PVC, which is so sturdy that it is used in the construction industry.

1935

Chemist Wallace Carothers from the Dupont company manages to produce nylon for the first time.

1948

Robust ABS plastic, which consists of the monomers of acrylonitrile, butadiene, and

styrene, is patented. ABS is used in Lego bricks, but its strength also makes it usable in gear wheels.