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Celluloid (nitrated cellulose with camphor) is not the only transformation of cellulose into a plastic.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellulose_acetate dates back to the 19th century; tough enough to be used for films and eyeglass frames.

Production involves some chems: "cellulose [pulp] is reacted with acetic acid and acetic anhydride in the presence of sulfuric acid."

Acetic anhydride is restricted in some countries because it's used in making heroin.




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