The story goes that the first plastic had its beginnings in the United States, in 1860, when a grand prize was offered for anyone who could substitute ivory to make billiard balls. The winner was John Hyatt, who invented celluloid, which in turn gave birth to the film industry.

By 1907, Leo Baekeland invented Bakelite, which was considered the first thermoset plastic. It was insulating, resistant to moderate heat, acids and water. Its fame grew rapidly and by 1930 scientists were creating the modern polymers that now dominate the industry.

How is it produced?

For the manufacture of plastic, 4 stages are necessary, which we will mention below:

1. Raw materials. They are manufactured from vegetable resins and petroleum derivatives.
2. The synthesis of the polymer. Polymerization by condensation and addition is used.
3. Additives. Compounds are added to improve its strength and stability.
4. The design and finish. It is characterized by: time, temperature and deformation.

Types of plastics

There are several modalities that we can identify when we buy products of all kinds. The main ones are:

• Polyethylene. It is colorless and very resistant.
• Polystyrene. It is known as PP. It is opaque, very hard and resistant.
• Polypropylene. It is designated as PS. It is more fragile and can be colored.
• Polyvinylchloride. Known as PVC. Very versatile, stable and durable.
• Polyamides. Designated as PA. The best known is nylon.
• Acrylics. They are polymers in the form of granules. Used for signs, goggles, and more.