John Wesley Hyatt

American engineer and inventor of celluloid

John Wesley Hyatt - American engineer and inventor of celluloid
Born

November 28th, 1837
187 years ago

Died

1920
105 years ago — 83 years old

Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

United States

Links & References

An American engineer contributed significantly to the invention of synthetic materials. Developed the first practical process for producing celluloid in 1868, which became widely used in various applications, including photography and billiard balls. The innovation in celluloid provided an alternative to ivory and other materials. Hyatt also invented a number of devices related to the production and use of this plastic, which played a vital role in the growing industries of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Invented the first practical celluloid

Developed processes for synthetic materials

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