bakelite

Bakelite is a phenol-formaldehyde resin that forms a hard, rigid thermosetting plastic. It was the first synthetic plastic produced in large quantities and played a formative role in the development of the plastics industry.

Invented by Leo Baekeland in 1907, in Yonkers, New York, Bakelite was developed as a heat-resistant, nonconductive material for electrical and mechanical applications. Baekeland later established the Bakelite Corporation to commercialize the resin. Chemically, Bakelite results from condensation polymerization of phenol with formaldehyde, followed by curing that cross-links the network. The cured resin is insoluble and infusible, with high heat resistance and excellent electrical insulation, making it suitable for electrical insulators, radio and appliance casings, and other molded parts.

Properties include rigidity, dimensional stability, and good resistance to heat and moisture. It accepts pigments well, yielding a wide range of colors that made it popular for buttons, jewelry, and decorative objects. The material is relatively brittle and can crack under impact; certain formulations may yellow with prolonged UV exposure.

Uses and legacy: by the 1920s and 1930s Bakelite was ubiquitous in electrical components, telephone and radio cabinets, kitchenware, and fashion accessories. As other plastics and resins emerged, its prominence declined, but genuine Bakelite and other phenolic resins remain valued by collectors and restorers. The term bakelite is sometimes used generically to refer to phenolic resins, though it is technically a brand name.

Safety and processing: curing Bakelite forms a stable network, but handling resins and uncured materials can involve irritation and formaldehyde vapors, so proper ventilation and handling are important during manufacturing.