Who knows cellulose?

Cellulose acetate, anyone?

Ever wonder why old movies were dangerous? Not so much for the content of the storyline, but because they were made from a substance that was highly inflammable. Originally they were based on nitrocellulose - guncotton. Not exactly something you want to run through a hot projector with an arc lamp. But a much safer version of film would keep projectionists happy for many years: cellulose acetate.

And there's a lot more to this early naturally based plastic, from the original Lego bricks to gas mask eyepieces.

Time for a touch of plasticity: hurry over to the RSC compounds site to see more on this clear winner. If you'd like to listen straight away, just click here.

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Why I hate opera

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