bakeliittien

Bakeliitti, also known as Bakelite, is a thermosetting plastic made from the reaction of phenol with formaldehyde. It was one of the first synthetic plastics produced on a large scale and was patented in 1907 by Leo Baekeland. This material quickly gained popularity due to its durability, electrical resistance, and heat resistance.

The production of bakeliitti involves mixing phenol and formaldehyde under controlled conditions, often with catalysts and fillers. The resulting mixture can be molded into various shapes under heat and pressure. Once cured, bakeliitti becomes a hard, rigid substance that cannot be remelted or reshaped, which is characteristic of thermosetting polymers.

Bakeliitti found widespread use in the early to mid-20th century. Its applications included electrical insulators, radio casings, telephone components, kitchenware handles, jewelry, and automotive parts. Its ability to be molded into intricate designs and its attractive dark, glossy finish also contributed to its appeal.

Over time, newer plastics with improved properties and lower production costs surpassed bakeliitti in many applications. However, bakeliitti remains a significant material in the history of plastics and is still collected and appreciated for its vintage aesthetic and historical importance. Its legacy lies in paving the way for the vast array of synthetic polymers that are commonplace today.