Polymer history

During the last century and a half, new families of engineering materials known as polymers have been discovered and produced, that have not only challenged the classical materials but have also made possible the realization of new products which have contributed to extend the range of activities of mankind. This paper is a brief review of the history of the most important groups of polymeric materials, such as plastics, fibers and elastomers. In the growth of polymeric materials during the last century and a half, plastics are the leader followed by fibers and elastomers. (c) Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2008.