Resume - The Origins of Polymers and their Cellular Derivatives

Abstract

This paper reviews the history of the development of rubber and plastic materials and the contribution made by some of the pioneering giants who made many significant contributions. The search to find synthetic products to match the properties of natural products is described and attention drawn to the many solid polymers that were discovered and left on the shelf for 50-100 years. Products made from cellular polymers began to become interesting and important in 1920-45. Many have succeeded in replacing natural products such as horn, shellac and natural rubber; many have also begun to be chosen by certain industries not only as materials with attractive properties in their own right but because the methods of processing and production are efficient. The main thermoplastic, thermosetting and elastomer polymers and their cellular offspring are discussed.