What is Plastic? Plastic is a synthetic or semi-synthetic material made up of organic polymers of high molecular mass. It is known for its versatility, durability, and low cost, making it a ubiquitous material in modern life. Invention of Plastic The invention of plastic is a bit of a complex story with multiple key figures: Alexander Parkes: In 1862, Parks created Parkesine , considered the first man-made plastic. It was derived from organic cellulose and could be molded into various shapes. John Wesley Hyatt: In 1868, Hyatt developed Celluloid , a modification of Parkesine. Celluloid became popular for its use in photographic film and as a substitute for ivory.. Leo Baekeland: In 1907, Baekeland invented Bakelite , the first fully synthetic plastic. It was made from combining phenol and formaldehyde and was highly heat resistant and moldable. Bakelite revolutionized the plastic industry. So, while Parkes is often credited with the first man-made plastic, Bakeland'...
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