Alexei Volkov
The Plastics Age, as the 20th and 21st centuries are dubbed, is marked by the influence and ubiquity of plastic materials. Plastics have become an essential part of our lives, with applications in food packaging, clothing, electronics, and more. The creation of synthetic polymers in the 19th century, specifically the first synthetic polymer invented by John Wesley Hyatt in 1869, marked a pivotal moment in the history of plastics. This discovery revolutionized human manufacturing, allowing the creation of new materials that were not constrained by the limits of nature. The development of synthetic plastics in the late 19th century further propelled the growth of plastic usage. However, the mass production of everyday plastic items truly took off in the 1940s and 1950s, leading to the widespread adoption of plastics in modern society.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time Period | 20th and 21st centuries |
| Reason | Influence and ubiquity of plastics |
| Initiator | John Wesley Hyatt |
| Year | 1869 |
| Reason | $10,000 prize offered by Phelan and Collander company for an ivory substitute |
| Material | Cellulose derived from cotton fibre and treated with camphor |
| Properties | Mouldable, imitated natural materials |
| Other Important Figures | Leo Baekeland, Auguste Trillat, Waldo Semon, Ivan Ostromislensky, Fritz Klatte |
| Other Important Dates | 1907, 1926, 1930, 1933, 1941, 1957 |
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What You'll Learn
Natural plastics
The word "plastic" originally meant "pliable and easily shaped". Plastics are polymers, which are made of long chains of molecules. Polymers are abundant in nature, and humans have been using naturally derived plastics for centuries. Natural polymers include cellulose, the material that makes up the cell walls of plants, and keratin, a mixed carbon-nitrogen polymer found in skin, hair, and wool.
Centuries before the Common Era, people were using the plastic properties of materials like rubber, amber, horn, and tortoise shell. By heating and moulding these substances, they created a diverse range of objects. For example, medieval craftsmen made lantern windows out of translucent slices of animal horn, and a millennium and a half before Christ, the Olmecs in Mexico played with balls made of rubber.
In the 19th century, the development of synthetic plastics led to significant growth in plastic usage. However, natural plastics continued to be used as well. One example is Parkesine, derived from plant cellulose, which was invented by Alexander Parkes and displayed at the 1862 International Exhibition in London. Parkesine exhibited characteristics of being both rigid and flexible, water-resistant, opaque, capable of being coloured, and amenable to shaping with tools. However, it was John Wesley Hyatt who treated cellulose derived from cotton fibre with camphor, creating a plastic that could be crafted into a variety of shapes and made to imitate natural substances. Hyatt's discovery led to the birth of celluloid, which was extensively used in the production of table tennis balls and film.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in bioplastics, which are plastic materials produced from renewable biomass sources. Bioplastics can be derived from natural materials like shellac or cellulose, or from synthetic polymers blended with bioplastics to create "bio-attributed" or "mass-balanced" plastic products. Bioplastics have gained attention due to their potential to reduce the carbon footprint of construction materials and provide eco-friendly alternatives for packaging and single-use items. Some common types of bioplastics include polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB).
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Synthetic plastics
The word "plastic" originally meant “pliable and easily shaped". Plastics are polymers, which are large molecules consisting of a chain of repeating smaller molecules (monomers). The process of combining these monomers (e.g. ethylene gas) by heat and pressure is called polymerisation.
Synthetic polymers are made up of long chains of atoms, arranged in repeating units, often much longer than those found in nature. It is the length of these chains and the patterns in which they are arrayed that make polymers strong, lightweight, and flexible. Over the last century and a half, humans have learned how to make synthetic polymers, sometimes using natural substances like cellulose, but more often using the plentiful carbon atoms provided by petroleum and other fossil fuels.
The first synthetic polymer was invented in 1869 by John Wesley Hyatt, who was inspired by a New York firm's offer of $10,000 for anyone who could provide a substitute for ivory. By treating cellulose derived from cotton fibre with camphor, Hyatt discovered a plastic that could be crafted into a variety of shapes and made to imitate natural substances like tortoiseshell, horn, linen, and ivory. This plastic was called Parkesine, which was patented in England in 1856.
In 1907, Leo Baekeland invented Bakelite, the first fully synthetic plastic, meaning it contained no molecules found in nature. Bakelite was inexpensive to produce and could be easily moulded into a wide variety of objects. This invention marked a major turning point in the history of plastics.
The mass production of everyday plastic items really commenced in the 1940s and 1950s. Since then, plastics have revolutionized our daily lives, with global usage exceeding 260 million tonnes per annum. They are used in everything from water bottles and food packaging to clothing, electronics, and more. However, the widespread adoption of plastics has also had negative consequences for our health and the environment.
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Plastic mass production
The mass production of plastics has had a profound impact on the world we live in today, with the 20th and 21st centuries being dubbed the "Plastics Age". The development of synthetic plastics in the late 19th century paved the way for their significant growth and usage. This revolution freed humanity from the constraints of natural resource scarcity, as synthetic polymers could be created independently of nature's limits.
The story of plastic mass production began with the creation of Parkesine, the first man-made plastic, by Alexander Parkes in 1855. Derived from plant cellulose, it exhibited a unique combination of rigidity and flexibility, water resistance, opacity, and amenability to shaping. However, it was John Wesley Hyatt who invented the first synthetic polymer in 1869. Inspired by a New York firm's offer of a $10,000 prize for an ivory substitute, Hyatt treated cellulose derived from cotton fibre with camphor, creating a plastic that could mimic natural substances. This discovery led to the birth of celluloid, which was extensively used for a time but eventually phased out due to its flammability.
In 1907, Leo Baekeland invented Bakelite, the world's first fully synthetic plastic, marking a pivotal milestone in the history of plastics. The 1920s and 1930s saw the emergence of new plastic types, such as polystyrene and polyethylene, with mass production gaining momentum in the 1940s and 1950s. Waldo Semon's collaboration with B.F. Goodrich in 1926 resulted in a method for plasticizing PVC, making it more pliable and easier to manufacture. Industrial production of polystyrene, marketed as Styrofoam, began soon after.
Mass production techniques such as blow moulding and plastic injection moulding have been instrumental in the rapid and large-scale creation of plastic products. Blow moulding involves inflating molten plastic inside a metal mould, allowing it to take on the desired shape. This method is highly efficient, cost-effective, and capable of producing complex shapes. Plastic injection moulding and the use of assembly lines further enhance productivity, enabling the rapid production of large quantities.
The advantages of mass-produced plastics are significant. They offer cost efficiency, uniformity, and high productivity, leading to increased customer satisfaction and a competitive edge for manufacturers. However, the environmental consequences of plastic mass production cannot be ignored. With approximately 80% of global plastic production being commodity plastics, the environmental impact of this material has been detrimental to landscapes, oceans, air, and human health. As we move forward, addressing the plastic problem will require social and political solutions, including improving recycling infrastructure and reducing the vast quantities of plastic produced.
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Plastic pollution
The 20th and 21st centuries have been dubbed the "Age of Plastic", with plastic becoming an ever-present material in modern society. However, this widespread adoption of plastic has had detrimental consequences for both the environment and human health, with plastic pollution becoming one of the most pressing environmental issues.
The main source of plastic pollution is the overwhelming rise in the production and consumption of disposable plastic products. Single-use plastics account for a large proportion of the plastic produced annually, and many of these products have a very short lifespan before becoming waste. Plastic is not biodegradable, and instead of breaking down completely, it forms microplastics that can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. These microplastics can be ingested by animals and enter the food chain, potentially harming both wildlife and human populations.
To address the plastic pollution crisis, experts agree that a systemic transformation is necessary. While recycling is important, it is not enough to solve the problem. Instead, the focus should be on improving waste management systems, reducing the manufacturing of single-use plastics, and implementing green policies at a systematic level. Individuals can also play a role by reducing their consumption of single-use plastics and ensuring proper recycling practices.
The history of plastic dates back to the 19th century, with the development of synthetic plastics. However, it was in 1907 that Belgian-American chemist Leo Baekeland invented Bakelite, the first fully synthetic plastic, marking a pivotal moment in the Plastics Age. Since then, plastics have become an essential part of our lives, revolutionizing various industries and changing the way we live.
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Plastic alternatives
The 20th and 21st centuries have been dubbed the "Age of Plastics", with plastic becoming an ever-present material in modern society. However, the widespread adoption of plastics has had detrimental consequences for the environment and human health. As a result, scientists and companies have been working on developing sustainable alternatives to plastic.
One promising alternative is biodegradable algae-based packaging. Seaweed-based products, for example, can be used to create biodegradable drinking straws, condiment packets, cutlery, and plastic wrap. Another algae-based alternative is Mycelium, which can be used for foam replacements.
Other natural alternatives include coconut fibre, hemp, husk, oat hulls, cotton burs, and jute. These materials can be used for packaging and shipping, providing a more sustainable option.
Plant-based plastics, or bioplastics, are another potential solution. One type of bioplastic is PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates), which is produced through bacterial fermentation of plant sources. PHA is compostable at home and industrially, making it a more sustainable option compared to other bioplastics.
Silicone is another alternative often mistaken for plastic. It is made from naturally occurring silica stone, water, and natural gas-derived methanol. Silicone is strong, flexible, and can withstand extreme temperatures without leaching toxic residues or microplastics.
While these alternatives offer promising solutions, it is important to note that simply replacing disposable plastic with another material may not be enough to reduce the environmental burden. Reusable and refillable packaging, as well as buying unpackaged goods, can be a more effective way to minimise waste.
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Frequently asked questions
The 20th and 21st centuries have been dubbed the age of plastics.
The creation of plastics can be attributed to multiple people. In 1856, Alexander Parkes created the earliest incarnation of synthetic plastic, Parkesine. In 1869, John Wesley Hyatt created the first synthetic polymer. In 1907, Leo Baekeland invented Bakelite, the first fully synthetic plastic.
Parkesine was one of the first commercially successful synthetic polymers.
