It seems that the “Union Cases” that were used to protect daguerreotypes from shattering (they resemble a woman’s make-up compact) were an example of early thermoplastic technology.

[TOP LEFT] Glenalvin Goodridge, Untitled (man with books), sixth plate daguerreotype, undated. Museum purchase made possible through the Franz H. and Luisita L. Denghausen Endowment. L. J. West ...

At the request of Sir John's wife Jane, Lady Franklin, at least two sets of 14 daguerreotypes, or early photographs, were taken on board HMS Erebus in the days before the ships' departure.