BI PLASTICS
Environmental
Technology
1926- Discovery of Polyhyrdroxybutyrate
1990- A New Element in Bioplastics
1942- First Bioplastic Automobile
1924- Introduction of Bioplastics in Cars
1869- Invention of Celluloid
1908- Invention of Cellophane
2013- Bananas to Bioplastics
2014- Use of Shrimp Shells
1862- Man-made Plastic
1839- Inventing Rubber
Henry Ford (1863-1947) started incorporating soybeans into the manufacturing of automobiles especially in steering wheels, dashboard panels, and interior trims.
Charles Goodyear (1800-1860) began experimenting with natural rubber which led him to his discovery of vulcanizing rubber. Vulcanizing rubber is when the rubber can manage to withstand hot or cold temperatures.
Alexander Parkes (1813-1890) released his man-made, synthetic plastic creation (also known as Parkesine) at the Great International Exhibition in London. He dissolved cellulose nitrate in alcohol and camphor that contains ether in order to produce a transparent substance that can be molded.
John Wesley Hyatt (1837-1920) produced celluloid along with his brother, Isaiah. They became so successful that they managed to open up their own business called the Celluloid Manufacturing Company in Newark, New Jersey. They incorporated celluloid into sheets, rods, and a variety of shapes.
Cellophane was introduced as Swiss chemist Jacques E. Brandenberger, first invented this form of a plant-based plastic. Cellophane is a transparent plastic that has been regenerated from cellulose. Today, cellophane is most commonly used for food packaging and even for adhesive tape.
Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), the first bioplastic, was discovered by a French microbiologist named Maurice Lemoigne. His discovery was overlooked until the 1970's as petroleum was inexpensive at the time.
After experimenting with agricultural surpluses such as soybeans, Henry Ford reveals the first ever plastic car. It included 14 different types of bioplastics. The car quickly gained lots of interest but shortly fell after the WWII started.
Imperial Chemical Industry, a British company began to establish a new type of bioplastics called Biopol or PHBV. Bipols are biodegradable, nontoxic, and environmental friendly in which it only uses thermoplastic polymers.
16 year old Elif Bilgin, winner of Google's Science Fair, determined a new way to produce bioplastic from banana peels. Her purpose was to figure out a new alternative that is environmentally friendly instead of relying on petroleum based plastics.
Researchers from Harvard's Wyss Institute found a way to use shrimp shells as a source in creating bioplastics. Shrimp shells are rich in chitosan, which is a main component within the new form of bioplastics.
