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What material were billiard balls originally made from in the 19th century, leading to excessive hunting?
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Elephant tusks (ivory)
What material, developed in the 1930s, mimics silk and is many times stronger?
Nylon
Polyethylene, a versatile plastic developed in the 1930s, is used in what common items?
Grocery bags, shampoo bottles, bulletproof vests
Identify the plastic characterized by being flexible and hardy, developed in the 1920s.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Who invented celluloid in 1863 as a substitute for ivory in billiard balls?
John Wesley Hyatt
What are some uses of polystyrene, a plastic developed in the 1920s?
Used in insulation
What is celluloid made from?
Cellulose, found in wood and straw
What are the environmental impacts of plastic consumer goods?
Plastics are largely made from nonrenewable resources, designed for single-use, and have long decomposition periods.
Which plastic was invented in 1907 and is known for being less flammable with readily available raw materials?
Bakelite
Describe the process of injection molding used in plastic manufacturing.
Inserting melted plastics into molds, which harden rapidly, allowing for mass production of varied and complex shapes.
Name two issues associated with celluloid as a material.
Not heavy enough, didn’t bounce correctly, highly flammable
Which transparent, shatter-proof plastic developed in the 1920s can mimic glass?
Acrylics
What shift occurred in plastic use post-World War II?
Plastics shifted to consumer products, replacing materials like wood, glass, and fabric, and expanding packaging options.
What are the three future focus areas in the innovation of plastics?
Reducing plastic use, developing biodegradable plastics, and innovative recycling methods
List some uses of plastics during World War II.
Plastic helmet liners, vinyl raincoats, Plexiglass cockpits, nylon parachutes
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