In billiards, pool balls are used. Although made of many different materials they are often made from phenolic. Phenolic resin is a combination of formaldehyde & phenol. These two compounds can be trusted for their strength and resistance to scratches. The mixture can withstand high temperatures. The resin will start to yellow when exposed to the sunlight.
The first type of pool balls were made of wood. These balls were durable, but became cracked with age. Leo Baekeland was a chemist who created a new material that wasn't volatile in the 19thcentury. This material was soon called bakelite and it quickly replaced wood in the production of pool balls.
Pool balls were a complicated process. It took a long time to develop the balls. You could also cut a ball in half if you wanted to know what inside. The balls had to be moulded under high pressures.
Other inventors started to experiment with chemical substances to make pool ball after the first bakelite version was created. These innovations are considered to be pioneering in the field of synthetic plastics.
Although phenolic resin is an excellent option for pool balls however, its price is much higher than that of its polyester counterpart. The polyester option is a better choice if you don't want to spend a lot on pool balls. The polyester alternative will not keep its color as long as phenolic.
The process of manufacturing a phenolic resin ball is a 23-day process. Every step of the manufacturing process has been thoroughly checked to ensure it is free of any impurities. Additionally, phenolic rubber balls can be stored at lower temperatures that polyester balls. They are therefore more durable and last longer.
Aramith is one of the largest manufacturers of phenolic resin pool balls. Their phenolic pool balls are extremely durable and retain their shine up to 40 year. They are also significantly less expensive than the polyester balls. Aramith Premier has superior resin technology, and should be considered by those who wish to upgrade to a better set of balls.
Iszy is another manufacturer of pool balls. It uses a mixture of phenolic as well as polyester resin. These pool balls are less expensive than phenolic, but they don't last as long. Polyester balls are also more likely to fade and create burn spots on your table. Nonetheless, they are still a good option for beginners.
Predator Arcos is another manufacturer, using a proprietary chemical compound that creates a variety of phenolic-resin balls. These balls are also more dense because they have been through-hardened. You can also choose the Iszy marble swirl set if you want to spend less.
Many companies have attempted to duplicate the ivory billiard ball experience. Unfortunately, ivory is no longer readily available. Modern pool balls use a mixture of formaldehyde-phenolic resin. The current market has approximately 85% phenolic pool ball.