Hyatt is best known for his invention of celluloid, a groundbreaking synthetic plastic developed in the 1860s. Celluloid was a remarkable innovation, as it was the world's first commercially successful synthetic plastic. Originally developed as a substitute for ivory in billiard balls, it soon found applications in photography, film and a wide range of consumer products.
The versatility and durability of celluloid made it a revolutionary material that shaped industries such as photography and cinema. It was used to make the first photographic film, which enabled the development of motion pictures, and also served as a support for photographic negatives. It was also used to make combs, buttons and various decorative items.
John Wesley Hyatt's invention of celluloid laid the foundation for the modern plastics industry and had a profound impact on the way we produce and use materials in everyday life. His legacy as an innovator and pioneer of materials science continues to influence technology and innovation today.
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