Recovered plastics and premium recycled plastic pellets.
A Guide to Graded Plastics
PVC, Saran and Teflon
Another important plastic innovation of the time was the development of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or vinyl. Waldo Semon, a B.F. Goodrich organic chemist, was attempting to bind rubber to metal when he stumbled across PVC. Semon later discovered that this material was inexpensive, durable, fire-resistant, and easily moulded. Vinyl found a special place in the hearts of Americans as an upholstery material that would last for years in the average family's living room.
In 1933, Ralph Wiley, a Dow Chemical lab worker, accidentally discovered yet another plastic -- polyvinylidene chloride (better known as Saran). Saran was first used to protect military equipment, but it was later discovered that it was great for food packaging. Saran would cling to almost any material -- bowls, dishes, pots and even itself; thus, it became the perfect tool for maintaining the freshness of food at home.
A DuPont chemist named Roy Plunkett discovered Teflon, in 1938. Teflon today is widely used in kitchenware. Plunkett discovered the material accidentally by pumping Freon gas into a cylinder left in cold storage overnight. The gas dissipated into a solid white powder. Teflon is unique because it is impervious to acids in addition to both cold and heat.
Teflon is now best known for its slipperiness -- which makes it highly effective in pots and pans for easy cooking and cleaning.
