On 05/07/2012 10:29, The Natural Philosopher wrote:
Nightjar wrote:
....
Polyethylene (1935) was a vital part of the allied war effort,
providing insulation for radar equipment. It was probably the first
plastic, other than Bakelite, that most people saw, being used in
things like washing up bowls and plastic brooms in the immediate
post-war era.

Colin Bignell

Not sure about that..nylon was very early too and MUCH used as an
insulator.

As well as making stockings.


Nylon was invented about the same time as polyethylene, but AIUI the
latter had properties that made it particularly suitable as an insulator
when centimetric radar started to be used.

Colin Bignell