Bakelite

Bekelite is a material based on the thermosetting phenol formaldehyde resin, polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride. It was developed between 1907 and 1909 by the Belgian Dr. Leo Hendrik Baekeland. When phenol and formaldehyde react under heat and pressure with wood flour filler, Bakelite is formed. Phenolics are generally known as Bakelite, which is considered as the first plastic. Bakelite was known as the material of thousand uses. It was essentially used in many consumer goods and contained large amounts of wood flour or other fillers. The plastic was essentially found in black and other very dark colors. Bakelite is waterproof, and highly resistant to electricity. It is also impermeable and does not melt. Bakelite was used for minting pennies in the United States during World War II, since it was hard and durable. Bakelite was also used to make the first solid body guitar, the Rickenbacker lap steel guitar. The plastic was used in various products such as telephone handsets, costume jewelry, insulation for electronics and engine parts. One can avail of bracelets, bangles, telephone, toys, picnic silverware, belts, tin thermos, earrings, necklaces made from Bakelite. General Bakelite Co., Redmanol Co., and Condensite Corp. established the Bakelite Corporation in 1922. Bakelite Limited was established in 1927, from the merger of three dealers that supplied phenol formaldehyde materials.