More than a century ago, plastic was introduced as a new alternative to materials such as glass and metals. Plastic is more durable and flexible than glass and metal and was quickly used in various industries. The development of technologies related to plastic has always continued and various types of plastics with various features and applications have been produced. By examining the history of plastic, we realize its importance. Many key industries use a variety of plastics. The invention of plastic is one of the most important human achievements that has led to the prosperity of various industries.
Plastics play a very important role in the daily life of humans, but they have been criticized due to the accumulation of pollution, environmental effects and other problems. From shredded microplastics in the oceans to their devastating effects on wildlife, it has raised concerns. Do you know who invented plastic? How is the evolution of plastic? In this article, we introduce the history of plastic and its future.
What is plastic?
The word plastic means doughy, moldable, changeable. Plastics are a type of polymer material that is also known as nylon. Synthetic polymers are obtained from fossil fuels such as oil. The history of plastic is more than 150 years old, but in the last half century, the use of plastic products has increased greatly. Plastic materials are resistant to water, moisture and decay. The high flexibility, malleability and toughness of plastics have made them widely used in industries. Different types of plastic polymers are produced, each of which has different properties and characteristics. The most common plastics are:
✅ Polyethylene
✅ Polypropylene
✅ Polyvinyl Chloride
✅ Polyethylene Terephthalate
✅ Polystyrene
✅ Polycarbonate
✅ Acrylic or Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)
Plastic History: Who invented Plastic?
Many researchers were active in the development of plastics, but the name of Ecclesander Parks shines for the invention of the first plastic in the world. The substance produced by the English chemist was a hard resin-like plastic. This substance is known as Parkesine. In ****, Plastic Parks was introduced at the London International Exhibition as a new material.
Leon Black invented one of the most widely used types of PVC plastic in ****, which is widely used in construction.
Charles Candler is the inventor of polyethylene PE in ****. Polyethylene plastic is used in bottles and making bags.
Paul Hoffmann, a German chemist, has also left his name in history as the inventor of polypropylene PP (in ****).
The history of plastic is not over yet, and efforts to achieve different types of plastic continue. Alexander Parks' plastic invention revolutionized industries. After that, scientists introduced other examples of plastic in different places. Currently, the production of smart and bio-plastics is on the agenda. The process of growth and development of plastics continues.
In what products is used?
Plastics have an important place in human life and are considered one of the greatest recent achievements. Telecommunications, transportation, medicine, engineering, construction, etc. industries are indebted to plastic materials. Plastics are useful for insulation of buildings, production of pipes, development of computers and mobile phones, household electrical appliances and many necessities of life. Some of the most important uses of plastic in various industries are:
plastics in the packaging industry (pharmaceutical, sanitary) food industry (food grade plastics in contact with food) construction industry (sound, thermal and moisture insulation ...)
plastics in automobile manufacturing (seat and tire covers, wire covers, etc.).