Many pool games use pool balls. They are small, and they have a distinctive look. They were originally made out of ivory or wood. But, they are now made with synthetic materials. These days, they are made of phenolic resin.
Thermosetting plastic phenolic resin is similar to bakelite but is much stronger. The plastic will harden after it cools. This makes it a great choice for a pool ball. It's however quite expensive. The majority of phenolic resin currently produced is from petroleum.
Another option is polyester resin. Polyester resin is an economical option, and is also more affordable than other materials. Polyester is actually less expensive than phenolic. It is comparable in durability to phenolic. But it doesn’t maintain its shine as long. It's still a popular choice with many manufacturers.
When phenolic resin was first developed, it was made from coal tar. Although it is strong and long-lasting, it can be dangerous to work with. You could burn yourself and others if you don't know what to do with it. This can be prevented by only using high-quality balls for billiard.
A quality pool ball should have a thermoset. It improves the ball's accuracy. Additionally, it adds friction to the billiard ball. A good quality billiard balls can withstand greater pressure. The friction coefficient should also be considered. It's impossible to trust a ball unable to withstand the stress of the game.
Before the advent of phenolic, pool balls were made from clay, wood, stone and other cellular materials. These pool balls are still manufactured by some companies.
American chemist Leo Baekeland discovered a new way of making plastic around 1907. He combined nitrocellulose and alcohol with camphor, and then molded the mixture using extreme pressure. It was a major step forward even though the compound was not perfect.
Bakelite was an easier choice by the middle of the 20th-century. It was also easy to make. It was also easier to make than other billiard balls. Bakelite is not like celluloid and doesn't burst when hit with force.
Today, phenolic resin pool ball are very popular. Not only do they have a classic and timeless look, they're also durable. The resin is thermosetting and won't melt so it can last up to 40 years.
No matter if you want to play a nine-ball or straight pool game, high-quality billiard ball will be required. Aramith is a reliable brand. There's a reason they are the best-selling billiard ball on the market.
Aramith pool balls are the most popular, but there are other quality manufacturers. Iszy, for example, offers a marble swirl set that is rated among the top ten billiard balls sets. Aramith is a good choice if your goal is to purchase billiard balls.