Bakeliet

Bakeliet is the Dutch term for Bakelite, a phenol-formaldehyde resin that was the first widely used synthetic plastic. Developed by the American chemist Leo Baekeland, it was introduced commercially in the early 20th century and quickly became valued for its hardness, heat resistance, and electrical insulating properties. As a thermosetting plastic, Bakeliet forms a crosslinked network when cured and cannot be melted again.

Bakeliet is produced by the condensation reaction of phenol with formaldehyde, typically under heat and acidic conditions. The resulting polymer is rigid and durable, resistant to heat and many solvents, and an excellent electrical insulator. It can be molded when still processable and, after curing, retains its shape. The material is often associated with a distinctive amber to reddish-brown color, though it could be produced in a range of hues.

In the early to mid-20th century, Bakeliet found widespread use in electrical and consumer applications. It was used for insulating components in radios, telephones, electrical outlets, and appliance housings, as well as for small durable goods such as buttons, jewelry, combs, and handles. The term Bakelite became so synonymous with phenol-formaldehyde resins that it entered common usage as a generic name for early plastics in many languages.

Today, Bakeliet is regarded as a historic material and is valued by collectors for vintage design and mid-century aesthetics. Its production involves hazardous chemicals, and as a thermoset, cured Bakeliet is not readily recyclable, which has implications for disposal and material reuse.