For what was the material cellulose acetate butyrate originally used?

Cellulose acetate butyrate was originally used as photographic material due to its excellent clarity, stability, and ability to be processed easily. This thermoplastic compound provided benefits such as good mechanical properties and resistance to environmental factors, making it ideal for the film industry. Its optical qualities contributed significantly to the production of films and photographic prints, enhancing image quality.

Other uses of cellulose acetate butyrate evolved over time, leading to applications in spectacle lenses, but its initial development and primary application were in photography. This historical context is key to understanding why the choice regarding photographic material is correct in this scenario.