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.