Galalith

White galalith RAAF pre-1953 buttons. (Top left button shows crazing resulting from button having been heated during washing.)

Galalith, also known as Erinoid in the United Kingdom, is a synthetic plastic material. It was created through the chemical reaction between casein, a protein found in milk, and formaldehyde. Its commercial name, "Galalith," is derived from the Greek words gala (meaning "milk") and lithos (meaning "stone"), highlighting its origin and hard, stone-like appearance.

Properties

Galalith boasts several unique and valuable properties that distinguish it from other synthetic materials:

• Odourless: Unlike some plastics that may emit a particular smell, especially when new or heated, Galalith is free from any distinctive odor.
• Insolubility: Galalith does not dissolve in water, making it resistant to water damage to a certain extent.
• Biodegradability: Unlike many other plastics which can persist in the environment for long periods, Galalith is biodegradable, making it more environmentally friendly.
• Antiallergenic: It doesn't provoke allergic reactions, making it suitable for various applications, including jewelry.
• Antistatic: Galalith does not build up static electricity, a property that can be particularly useful in certain applications.
• Nonflammability: The material is virtually nonflammable, adding to its safety profile.

Historical Context

Galalith was among the earliest plastics derived from natural organic materials. Its origin can be traced back to the interaction of proteins and aldehyde, leading to a material that, while plastic in nature, held some of the characteristics of natural substances.

Applications

Due to its unique properties, Galalith found use in a variety of applications:

• Jewelry: Its antiallergenic nature made it suitable for jewelry.
• Buttons: Before the widespread use of modern plastics, Galalith was a popular material for buttons.
• Handles: The material was used for knife and tool handles.
• Pens: Galalith was also employed in the manufacture of pen barrels.

Modern Relevance and Environmental Impact

As more advanced and versatile plastics were developed in the 20th century, the use of Galalith declined. However, its biodegradable nature has led to renewed interest in similar materials, especially in light of increasing concerns about environmental pollution from non-degradable plastics.

See Also

• Bioplastics
• Casein
• Formaldehyde
• History of plastics

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