Bakelite
table of contents
history
Bakelite was developed between 1905 and 1907 by the belgian chemist Leo Hendrik Baekeland.
Since 1909 the plastic was distributed worldwide.
production and characteristics
You dissolve phenol in formaldehyde solution. Then you add concentrated hydrochloric acid and heat.
After cooling and hardening of the plastic it is resisitant against mechanical influences, heat and acid.
Unlike thermoplastics, bakelite can not be deformed by heating. Phenol resins tend to darken and are therefore usually colored dark brown or black.
bakelite and dice
DDR dice were often made from bakelite. It should replace the expensive amber.
credits
category: materials