10 Questions
What was the original material used to make billiard balls?
Ivory from elephant tusks
What was the main problem with celluloid as a material for making billiard balls?
It wasn't heavy enough and didn't bounce quite right
What is the common characteristic of synthetic materials referred to as plastics?
They are made from polymers
What was the first commercially developed plastic in the 1920s?
Polystyrene
Why did inventors begin to search for alternatives to celluloid?
It was highly flammable
What was the purpose of nylon when it was developed in the 1930s?
To mimic silk
Who invented the first plastic, celluloid?
John Wesley Hyatt
What was the primary use of plastics during World War Two?
To make military equipment and gear
What was the result of plastic manufacturing companies turning their attention to consumer products after World War Two?
Plastics replacing other materials like wood, glass, and fabric
What is a major environmental problem associated with the use of plastics?
The use of nonrenewable resources
Discover how the invention of celluloid, a precursor to modern plastics, was sparked by the need for an alternative to ivory in billiard balls. Learn about the challenges and innovations that led to the creation of this new material. Explore the history of plastics and how it has shaped our world today.
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