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( Bakelite)
Bakelite (pronounced /'b??k?la?t/) is a material based on the thermosetting phenol formaldehyde resin polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride, developed in 1907–1909 by Belgian Dr. Leo Baekeland. Formed by the reaction under heat and pressure of phenol (a toxic, colourless crystalline solid) and formaldehyde (a simple organic compound), generally with a wood flour filler, it was the first plastic made from synthetic components. It was used for its electrically nonconductive and heat-resistant properties in radio and telephone casings and electrical insulators, and was also used in such diverse products as kitchenware, jewellery, pipe stems, and children's toys. In 1993 Bakelite was designated an ACS National Historical Chemical Landmark in recognition of its significance as the world's first synthetic plastic.[1] The retro appeal of old Bakelite products and labor intensive manufacturing has made them quite collectible in recent years. Bakelite Corp. was formed in 1922 from the consolidation of three companies General Bakelite Co., Condensite Corp., and Redmanol Chemical Products Company, an early plastics manufacturer formed in 1913 by Chemist L.H. Baekeland. The American Catalin Corporation acquired the Bakelite formulas in 1927 and currently manufactures Bakelite cast resins. Bakelite Limited was formed in 1926 from the amalgamation of three suppliers of phenol formaldehyde materials the Damard Lacquer Company Limited of Birmingham; Mouldensite Limited of Darley Dale and Redmanol Chemical Products Company of London. Around 1928 a new factory opened in Tyseley, Birmingham, England. (The building was demolished in 1998.) The company was acquired by the Union Carbide and Carbon Corporation in 1939.
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