Celluloid

Celluloid, originally the trade name and now the common name of a synthetic plastic made by mixing cellulose nitrate, or pyroxylin, with pigments and fillers in a solution of camphor in alcohol. When heated, the substance is pliable or plastic and can be moulded into a variety of shapes. Upon drying and cooling, the material becomes hard. In the United States celluloid was invented by John Hyatt, who was trying to win a $10,000 award for finding a substitute for ivory in making billiard balls. Hyatt failed to win the prize, but he received a patent for his discovery in 1870. The patent was disputed by the British inventor of Xylonite, a similar product.

Celluloid is transparent and colourless and in paste form can be coloured or rolled or moulded into specific shapes. Some of its advantages are that it is inexpensive and durable, takes a high polish, does not warp or discolour, and is not affected by moisture. It is, however, highly flammable, and although modifications in manufacture have reduced the dangers of fire, it has been largely superseded by other materials. Celluloid is used in making combs, brushes, and buttons.