Celluloid Facts for Kids

Table tennis balls (40 mm) made from celluloid.

Celluloid is a type of plastic made from a mix of chemicals like nitrocellulose and camphor. It was the very first plastic that could be easily shaped when heated. This kind of plastic is called a thermoplastic.

Celluloid was invented a long time ago. It was first known as Parkesine in 1856, then Xylonite in 1869, and finally Celluloid in 1870. It was popular because it could be molded into many shapes. People used it to replace expensive materials like ivory, for example, in billiard balls.

However, celluloid catches fire very easily. It also breaks down over time. Because of these problems, it is not used as much today. You can still find celluloid in table tennis balls and guitar picks. It was also very important for making early movie and photography films.

What Was Celluloid Used For?
- Celluloid in Clocks and Instruments
How Is Celluloid Made?
Why Celluloid Breaks Down
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What Was Celluloid Used For?

Celluloid doll

A Seth Thomas mantel clock with parts made of celluloid that looked like stone.

Before the 1950s, most movie and photography films were made from celluloid. This was a big deal for the film industry! But celluloid film was very flammable. It could even explode if it got too hot, like in a movie projector. Because of this danger, safer films were developed later.

Celluloid was also great for making cheaper versions of many items. It replaced expensive materials like ivory or animal horn. People called it "Ivorine" or "French Ivory" sometimes. It was used for:

Jewelry and jewelry boxes
Hair accessories
Dolls
Picture frames
Buttons and buckles
Parts for musical instruments like accordions
Fountain pens
Handles for cutlery (knives, forks)

The main problem was always how easily it caught fire. Over time, newer plastics like Bakelite became popular and replaced celluloid for many uses. But table tennis balls are still often made from celluloid today.

Celluloid in Clocks and Instruments

Some furniture, like clocks, was covered with thin sheets of celluloid. This made them look like they were made of expensive wood, marble, or granite. For example, the Seth Thomas clock company used celluloid to make their clocks look like black marble with stone-like decorations.

Flaming celluloid pattern on an accordion.

Celluloid was also used for slide rules, which were tools for calculations before calculators existed. It coated the wooden parts and was used for cursor pieces.

Even today, celluloid is still used for some musical instruments, especially accordions and guitars. It's strong and can be shaped easily. It also helps with the sound of the instrument. You can often spot instruments with celluloid because they have a unique, wavy pattern that looks a bit like nacre (mother-of-pearl).

How Is Celluloid Made?

Making celluloid involves mixing several chemicals. The main ingredients are nitrocellulose, camphor, and alcohol. Dyes and other fillers are added for color and texture.

The first step is to change raw cellulose (which comes from plants) into nitrocellulose. This is done by treating cellulose fibers with a special acid mix. This process makes the cellulose very reactive. After this, the material is washed, dried, and kneaded.

Then, a mix of camphor and alcohol is added. This turns the nitrocellulose into a smooth, gel-like material. The exact way these chemicals combine is complex, but it creates the final celluloid. This mixture is then pressed into blocks and shaped for different products.

It's important to know that making celluloid can be dangerous because nitrocellulose is very flammable. In the past, there were often factory explosions. Today, only a few factories in the world still make celluloid.

Why Celluloid Breaks Down

A fungi-damaged photographic slide

Celluloid can break down in several ways, like from heat, chemicals, light, or just getting old. One main reason it breaks down is that the camphor molecules inside it can get "squeezed out" over time. This happens because of the way celluloid is made under high pressure.

When the camphor leaves, the plastic becomes brittle. It's like a dry leaf that crumbles easily. Also, if celluloid gets too hot, it can release harmful gases. Too much moisture can also speed up its breakdown.

Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun can also damage celluloid. It makes the material stiff and can cause it to break apart. This is why old celluloid film reels might melt into a solid block after many years, while thicker celluloid on an accordion might still look perfect after a century.