Celluloid

Table tennis balls (40 mm) made from celluloid.

Celluloid is the name of a group of compounds made from nitrocellulose and camphor, plus dyes and other agents. It was the first thermoplastic. It was first called Parkesine in 1856, then Xylonite in 1869 and then Celluloid in 1870. Celluloid is easily molded and shaped.

It was first widely used as an ivory replacement, in billiard balls for example. In the early 20th century it was used in most photographic film. Celluloid catches fire very easily and also easily breaks down, and is no longer widely used. Its most common uses today are for making table tennis balls and guitar picks.

Celluloid Media

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  Celluloid and sterling silver pen.

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  Old celluloid film rolls. EYE Restauratie-atelier.

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  Bébé en celluloïd

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  A Seth Thomas black mantel clock, a typical late 19th century American style. The "serpentine" and "stone" of the pillars are made of celluloid glued to wood.

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  Assorted tortoiseshell celluloid guitar picks.

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  A late Soviet roly-poly doll from celluloid

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  Flaming celluloid pattern on an accordion.