Skip to main content

Significant Discoveries In The World Of Plastic

By Lenna Stockwell


While natural rubber has been used for thousands of years, the use of plastic and rubber to create a wide range of products has only been happening since the mid-1800s and it was until the 20th century that the first widely usable plastics were produced. Here are just a few of the many scientists that have contributed to the history of plastics.

Charles Goodyear was one of the first plastics pioneers, and he attempted to find a way to make rubber more durable. Rubber was being used to make some items, but it was unable to handle seasonal temperature extremes. Goodyear postulated that combining rubber with other substances could transform it into a highly durable substance that could withstand heat and cold. This process is known as vulcanization, and while Goodyear did not perfect the process, he is largely credited with inventing the process.

Rubber vulcanized with sulfur was then developed, and this was vulcanite developed by Thomas Hancock. There are debates whether Thomas Hancock invented vulcanization or he was just inspired by Charles Goodyear's works because Hancock actually was the first to file a patent for this. The machines for processing rubber though were really invented by Hancock and he made a successful industry out of these inventions. Vulcan, the Roman God of fire was the inspiration for this process, named vulcanization by a friend of his.

It was during the years 1840s to the early 1900s that scientists continued their studies and development of the different types of plastic. Bakelite was the first kind of highly usable plastic invented and the inventor was Leo Baekeland, who began production of this plastic around 1907. This kind of plastic was produced from a reaction between phenol and formaldehyde, produced and widely used until the middle of the 20th century, and was used in the production of everything from radios to jewelry. His creation was known as the first of its kind thermoset plastic. This kind of plastic was the type that can only be used only once, creating a particular product. Thermoplastics were then invented, and these are the kinds that can be re-melted and used again.

There are many plastics that were being developed and studied throughout the 19th century and early 20th centuries, but often patents were not applied for or true stabilization was not obtained. PVC, for example, was actually discovered accidentally on two separate occasions. The first time was 1835 by a French chemist and it happened again in 1872, when a German chemist discovered it. It wasn't until 1926, however, that a highly usable version PVC was developed by Waldo Semon, a chemist who worked for B.F. Goodrich. Semon also invented vinyl, which is one of the world's most widely used plastics. Semon held more than 100 patents and it is because of his work that PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is used to make strong plastic pipes, door frames, insulation for electrical cables and much more.

Teflon, or polytetrafluoroethylene, a kind of plastic material, was also discovered accidentally. This plastic material was discovered accidentally, while the invention was for a new type of refrigerant, and this was done by a chemist by the name Roy Plunkett. A German chemist in 1898 also discovered by accident the plastic product polyethylene, a thermoplastic used to make varieties of thermoformed products and packages. Widespread use of this plastic material was not seen until 1935 though.




About the Author:



Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The Significance Of Hotel Linen Supplier

By Anthony Harris There are various guesthouses that maintaining the standards of cleanliness of the ambiance of their rooms. Many owners and administrations have set housework time for all the linens inside the establishments. Hotel linen suppliers are the responsible of washing and making those dirty garments will be clean. And then Supreme being restore the realm and create man and women and other species of animals. On that time, temptations and bad doings are not existed. Suddenly, the force of evil spread and scattered their demons do spread the bad doings. The forces of evil is cannot be seen by the naked eyes of the persons. Demons are living and acting like a normal soul. Environment can provide shelter and foods to the people that is living and walking on the earth surface. Global warming is cause by pollution and carbon emissions from car exhausts, factories and burning that can thinning of ozone layer that results in excessive ultra violet rays and gamma radiatio...

Confused About Auto Insurance? Read These Tips!

By Louielalyn Emberna Shopping around for car insurance is a headache for lots of people. It doesn't have to be difficult, though; do some homework so that you know if you are receiving enough coverage at a good price. The tips in this article will help you find the right insurance for you. Liability coverage of certain minimum levels are required by most states. It is your responsibility as a citizen to know whether or not your state requires auto insurance, and to adhere to the minimum coverage level for your state. If you lack insurance and are involved in a wreck, not only can it be financially disastrous, but you will also be violating the law. Stay away from sports cars. Insurance is more expensive for sports cars. Purchase a car that is more low-profile. The larger the motor is in the vehicle, the more that it is going to cost you to insure it. Sports cars are at greater risk of theft, which further raises the cost of insurance. You must have the state legal mi...

Using Network Marketing To Increase Your Revenue

By Rutherford Donald If you've been curious about multi-level marketing but aren't sure where to start or how to progress, this article will provide shrewd tips for you. Multilevel marketing really isn't that complicated once you've mastered the basics. Once you've learned the ropes, you'll soon be able to join the millions of people who have found success through multilevel marketing! Many people approach network marketing with the misconception that there is a minimal amount of investment involved. While this can be true and you can be successful with only the minimum required investment, in order to truly be successful, you have to reinvest significant parts of your income. For example, you will have to invest in maintaining relationships with network leaders and mentors through social functions like dinners. It is also important to continue learning and keeping up to date with the newest strategies by attending paid events and seminars. You must be p...