Plastics, derived from the Greek word "plastikos," are a variety of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials made from crude oil.
It is a carbon atom that forms long chains that can be moulded into various shapes and sizes.
In 1862, British chemist Alexander Parkes invented the first plastic, Parkesine, made from cellulose, a natural material found in plant cell walls.
Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland invented Bakelite in 1907, fully synthetic plastic made from formaldehyde & phenol for insulators, radios & telephones.
In 1941, German chemist Karl Ziegler invented polyethylene, a cost-effective and durable plastic used in bags, food packaging, and toys.
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