Alexei Volkov
Celluloid is a type of plastic that was historically favoured for its ability to mimic natural materials such as amber, tortoiseshell, and bone. It was also used in the manufacturing of jewellery, although its highly flammable nature meant that cellulose acetate, a less dangerous alternative, was discovered in 1920. There are several ways to tell celluloid from other plastics, including the hot water test, where if you run very hot water over an item and it smells like camphor or mothballs, it is celluloid, but if it smells like formaldehyde, it is Bakelite. Another way to differentiate is to touch your tongue to the item in question; if it is celluloid, you will feel a burning sensation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Response to heat | Celluloid is a thermoplastic that can be heated and softened repeatedly to return to a moldable state. |
| Smell | Celluloid smells like camphor or mothballs when heated. |
| Flammability | Celluloid is highly flammable. |
| Mimicry | Celluloid is often used to mimic natural materials like amber, tortoiseshell, and bone. |
| Malleability | Celluloid can be wrought and used for curving or twisted designs. |
| Weight | Celluloid is relatively lightweight compared to Bakelite. |
| Discoloration | Celluloid tends to exhibit discoloration patterns, especially along the spines of blades. |
| Burning sensation | Touching celluloid with the tongue can cause a mild burning sensation. |
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What You'll Learn
- Heat test: celluloid smells like camphor/mothballs, plastic smells like plastic, and Bakelite smells like formaldehyde
- Touch test: celluloid causes a burning sensation on the tongue
- Visual inspection: look for curving or twisted designs, seams, and discoloration
- Weight: Bakelite is heavier than celluloid and plastic
- Reaction to water: celluloid is highly flammable and could burst into flames when exposed to hot water
Heat test: celluloid smells like camphor/mothballs, plastic smells like plastic, and Bakelite smells like formaldehyde
One of the ways to differentiate between plastics is to observe how they respond to heat. Celluloid and other natural plastics, when heated, softened, and returned to a moldable state, are called thermoplastics. On heating, celluloid smells like camphor or mothballs. On the other hand, Bakelite, a thermoset plastic, once hardened, can never be returned to a moldable state. When overheated, Bakelite breaks down into its constituent parts, one of which is formaldehyde, which has a very distinct, nasty smell and is not good to inhale. Plastic, when overheated, melts and gives off a burning plastic smell.
To identify Bakelite, one can also look for the absence of a seam, feel its weight (Bakelite is relatively heavy for a plastic), or rub it briskly in the palm to heat it up with friction to detect the formaldehyde smell.
Celluloid was highly flammable, and in 1920, cellulose acetate was discovered as a safer alternative. Celluloid and other cellulose plastics were favoured for their ability to mimic natural materials such as amber, tortoiseshell, and bone. Casein plastic, made by extracting natural casein proteins from milk and hardening them in a formaldehyde solution, is similar to celluloid in that it was often used to mimic natural materials. When heated, casein smells like burnt milk or cheese.
Bakelite, patented in 1907, is a mixture of phenol and formaldehyde heated under high pressure. This form of thermoset plastic was favoured for its durability and many applications.
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Touch test: celluloid causes a burning sensation on the tongue
Celluloid is the trade name for a plastic that was widely used in the 1800s and early to mid-1900s to make a variety of items, including jewellery, combs, vanity sets, and toys. It is much lighter and thinner than other vintage plastics.
One of the tests to identify celluloid involves rubbing it against your finger or thumb until it is hot and then smelling it. If you detect a camphor or moth ball smell, the piece is celluloid. This is known as the "rubbing method".
The "hot water method" is another reliable test for celluloid. Place the piece under hot water for a few seconds and then smell it. If it smells like camphor, the piece is celluloid.
The "hot needle method" involves heating a needle until it is hot and then poking the item. It will smoke and smell like camphor. However, this method is not recommended as early celluloid is highly flammable.
The touch test is another way to identify celluloid. Celluloid causes a burning sensation on the tongue.
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Visual inspection: look for curving or twisted designs, seams, and discoloration
When it comes to distinguishing celluloid from plastic, visual inspection can be a valuable tool. Here are some key things to look out for:
Curving or Twisted Designs
One notable difference between celluloid and Bakelite, another type of plastic, is their malleability. Celluloid can be bent or twisted, allowing for curving or twisted designs. On the other hand, Bakelite cannot be wrought in the same way, so items with intricate, curving patterns are more likely to be made of celluloid.
Seams
Seams are another visual indicator that can help distinguish celluloid from other plastics. Bakelite, for example, does not have mold seams, so if you see a seam on a piece of plastic jewellery, it is likely not made of Bakelite.
Discolouration
Discolouration can also provide clues about the material. Celluloid jewellery that has been stored in a closed environment for extended periods may exhibit dramatic dulling or discolouration. Additionally, older celluloid pieces may have a distinct camphor smell due to the composition of the material. However, if the piece is celluloid dated after 1927, when camphor was removed, it may not have this scent.
Visual inspection, combined with other tests such as weight comparison and smell tests, can help accurately identify celluloid items and differentiate them from other types of plastic.
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Weight: Bakelite is heavier than celluloid and plastic
One of the ways to differentiate between Bakelite, celluloid, and plastic is by their weight. Bakelite is relatively heavy for a plastic, especially considering it uses fillers of cloth, paper, cotton, and sometimes even asbestos. On the other hand, celluloid is thinner and lighter than Bakelite. It is also more brittle and can crack when heated to higher temperatures.
Bakelite was mostly used for utilitarian purposes, including pipe fittings, coffee pot handles, pistol grips, and electrical outlets. Its weight made it ideal for such applications. It was also used for items like insulators for electrical systems or handles on Deco-era toasters.
Celluloid, being lighter, was often used to mimic ivory, such as in brush handles, dice, and toys. It was also used in jewelry, where its lightweight and moldable nature made it ideal for intricate designs.
Lucite, another type of plastic, is also lighter in weight than Bakelite and Catalin, a variation of Bakelite. Lucite has a slick feel and can be dyed any color, making it versatile for use in jewelry and other decorative items.
Therefore, when identifying plastics, weight is an important factor to consider. Bakelite, with its fillers and utilitarian applications, is heavier than celluloid and other plastics like Lucite, which are known for their lightweight and moldable nature.
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Reaction to water: celluloid is highly flammable and could burst into flames when exposed to hot water
Celluloid is a highly flammable plastic. It is made from cellulose nitrate and camphor and is often used in the creation of film. Due to its flammability, celluloid has been replaced by non-flammable thermoplastics in the film industry.
Celluloid's flammability is due to its composition, which includes cellulose nitrate (or any nitrate) and an oxidizing agent (such as air). When these components are combined with heat, celluloid can quickly ignite. It is important to note that celluloid's flammability is not due to any gases that may be present, but rather the stable material itself.
The high flammability of celluloid means that it could potentially burst into flames when exposed to hot water. This is why it is advised to avoid performing a hot pin test on celluloid, as the heat could cause it to catch fire.
To identify celluloid, one can observe its response to heat. As a thermoplastic, celluloid can be heated and softened repeatedly to return it to a moldable state. Additionally, when celluloid is heated, it may give off a distinct smell. However, it is important to exercise caution when testing for celluloid to avoid potential fire hazards.
In summary, celluloid is a highly flammable plastic that can ignite when exposed to heat or hot water. Its flammability is due to the presence of cellulose nitrate and oxidizing agents. When handling celluloid or performing tests, it is crucial to take the necessary precautions to prevent fires or injuries.
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Frequently asked questions
One way to differentiate celluloid from plastic is by smell. If it smells like camphor or mothballs, it is celluloid, and if it smells like formaldehyde, it is Bakelite.
Another way to identify celluloid is by touch. If you touch your tongue to celluloid, you will feel a burning sensation that you won't get from other materials. Additionally, celluloid and other natural plastics can be softened with heat and returned to a moldable state, whereas Bakelite, once hardened, cannot be remolded.
Yes, it is important to note that the hot pin test on celluloid is not recommended as it could burst into flames.
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