Development of Plastics

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Throughout the history, plastics have played an important role in human’s life. A long time ago, people discovered and used natural polymers such as wool, wood, leather, etc. Celluloid, the first plastic product, was invented by John Wesley Hyatt in 1868. It was made by substantially modifying a natural polymer and then molding the resulting material into new shapes. In 1909, the “Bakelite” plastic was invented thanks to a new source of raw materials – coal tar. It is used for electrical insulations and the cases for cameras, early radio. In the 1930s, the manufacture of plastics from chemicals produced from petroleum began, and polystyrene, acrylic polymers, and polyvinyl chloride were produced. In 1928, Nylon was discovered and entered production in the late 1930s. From 1925-1940s, the production and manufacture of other plastics materials - low density polyethylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), PTFE, polyesters, silicones, epoxy resins were introduced. Polycarbonates were added in the 1950s. High density polyethelene (HDPE) and polypropylene were added in the 1960s. The1970s saw the arrival of the ‘third generation’, high-tech, performance plastics which built on previous developments. Production and development of new manufacturing methods for plastic parts were expanded, resulting in lower price, improved quality. The innovation continued from 1990s – 2005, with new polymers being created to meet specific design challenges. Resins with sophisticated structures were developed, giving special properties. Today, more than 700 types of plastic are produced which fall into 18 main polymer families. Readily available, versatile and economic to manufacture, plastics are used to produce both hi-tech and everyday

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