Before chemists formulated the basic idea of polymers, Mexicans knew some ways to use polymers. They knew how to modify rubber. Several substances were added to natural rubber. These additives modified and enhanced its properties and were used to make a range of products like bouncing balls.
Henri Braconnot’s work is the first modern work associated with polymers. In the 1830s, Braconnot along with the help of some others developed celluloid and cellulose acetate, derivatives of cellulose.
Later in the 1840s, vulcanization of rubber entered the scene which created a huge change in the industry. It was discovered that adding sulphur to natural rubber will make it stable, flexible and prevent stickiness. This led to the production of many useful products like waterproof articles. Vulcanized rubber is undoubtedly the first commercially successful polymer.
By the 1880s, artificial fibres entered the scene. Hilaire de Chardonnet started the first artificial fibre plant in 1884. It was based on regenerated cellulose which worked as a substitute for silk. Bakelite, the first synthetic plastic was discovered only after more than twenty years in 1907.
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