The Development of Modern Plastics
During the late 19th century natural resources such as wood, ivory, and tortoiseshell were being depleted at a rapid rate. Ivory and tortoiseshell were highly sought-after materials for luxury items including hand-carved combs, hand-held mirrors, jewelry boxes, and many high-end personal items enjoyed by the well-to-do at the time. These materials were also used extensively for medical and dental instruments and more utilitarian uses such as pistol grips.
With the immense technological progress in chemistry and a need to find a replacement for dwindling natural resources, … Read more
