TY - ART DB - Science History Institute DP - Science History Institute M2 - Courtesy of Science History Institute. Rights: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License TI - "Rootbeer" Lucite Bangle Bracelet ID - dr26xx39d AU - Science History Institute DA - 2016/// YR - 2016 M3 - photograph UR - https://digital.sciencehistory.org/works/dr26xx39d AB - Amber-tinted lucite bracelet; exterior has raised floral pattern. Lucite methyl methacrylate polymer was among the first plastics derived from petrochemicals. DuPont chemists discovered Lucite in 1931 while exploring the high-pressure technology developed for ammonia production. The polymer's crystal-clear appearance and its strength were far superior to nitrocellulose-based plastics. Lucite was in heavy demand during World War II for use in windshields, nose cones, and gunner turrets for bombers and fighter planes. After the war, DuPont marketed it for use in a variety of decorative and functional uses, such as lamps, hairbrushes, and jewelry. KW - Plastics KW - Lucite KW - E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company LA - ER -