The Accidental Inventor: Who Created Plastic?
Plastic, a ubiquitous material in modern life, has a fascinating history that dates back to the mid-19th century. While many people attribute the invention of plastic to a single person, the story is more complex and involves several individuals who contributed to its development.
*Alexander Parkes: The First Plastic*
In 1855, British inventor Alexander Parkes created the first plastic, which he called "Parkesine." Parkesine was a mixture of cellulose, nitric acid, and camphor that could be molded and shaped when heated. Parkes' invention was showcased at the Great Exhibition of London in 1862, where it gained significant attention.
*Leo Baekeland: The Father of Modern Plastic*
However, the modern plastic that we know today was invented by Belgian-American chemist Leo Baekeland in 1907. Baekeland's plastic, called "Bakelite," was the first fully synthetic plastic that could be molded and shaped when heated. Bakelite was a game-changer, and it paved the way for the development of modern plastics.
*Other Contributors*
While Parkes and Baekeland are often credited with the invention of plastic, other individuals also played a significant role in its development. For example, British chemist John Wesley Hyatt developed a plastic called "celluloid" in the 1860s, which was used to make photographic film and other products.
*Conclusion*
The invention of plastic is a story that involves several individuals who contributed to its development over the years. While Alexander Parkes and Leo Baekeland are often credited with the invention of plastic, it is clear that the development of modern plastics was a collaborative effort.
*Sources:*
- American Chemical Society: "The History of Plastics"
- Science History Institute: "Leo Baekeland and the Invention of Bakelite"
- British Plastics Federation: "The History of Plastics in the UK"
