Many pool games use pool balls. They are small and distinctive in appearance. Originally, they were made of wood and ivory, but they have been replaced with synthetic materials. These days they are made from phenolic.
A thermosetting plastic similar to bakelite that's made from phenolic resin, it is more durable than bakelite. Thermosetting means that the plastic will harden once it cools. This makes it a good choice for a poolball. However, it is very expensive. Currently, phenolic resins are mostly made from petroleum.
Another option is to use polyester resin. Polyester resin is an affordable option that's also less expensive. It actually costs less than phenolic. Its durability is similar to that of phenolic. It doesn't last as long. It's still a popular choice with many manufacturers.
When phenolic tar was first created, it was made of coal tar. It is very dangerous to handle, despite being a durable and strong material. You could burn yourself and others if you don't know what to do with it. You should only use high-quality billiard ball to prevent this.
A good quality pool ball has a thermoset. It helps improve the ball's accuracy. The billiard balls also have friction from the oil. A good quality billiard balls can withstand greater pressure. Also, pay attention to friction coefficient. You shouldn't trust a ball that can't handle the pressure of the game.
Before the advent phenolic resin, pool balls had been made of wood, stone or clay. These pool balls were still manufactured by some manufacturers in the past.
Then, around 1907, American chemist Leo Baekeland came up with a new way to make plastic. He combined nitrocellulose with alcohol, camphor, and then mold the mixture under high pressure. Even though this compound was not perfect, it was a significant improvement.
By the late 20th century, Bakelite was a more durable choice. It was also easy to make. It became the standard for billiard ball balls. Bakelite is not like celluloid and doesn't burst when hit with force.
Today, phenolic resin pool balls are a favorite. They are timeless and classic, but they are also very durable. Because the resin is thermosetting it will not melt back so the ball will last for 40 years.
Whether you want to play a nine-ball game or a straight pool, you'll need high-quality billiard balls. Aramith is a reliable brand. Aramith is the best-selling billiardball 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.