What was Bakelite an early form of?

Bakelite or polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride, is an early plastic. It is a thermosetting phenol formaldehyde resin, formed from a condensation reaction of phenol with formaldehyde.

It was developed by the Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland between 1907 and 1909

One of the first plastics made from synthetic components, Bakelite was used for its electrical nonconductivity and heat-resistant properties in electrical insulators, radio and telephone casings, and such diverse products as kitchenware, jewelry, pipe stems, children's toys, and firearms. The "retro" appeal of old Bakelite products has made them collectible.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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22 Comments

Jacqueline Tattam

The beginning of the end - our oceans slowly being suffocated by the stuff

Weaver Cynthia

Most bakelite still around gets recycled by collectors and crafters. I'm a collector.

Angeles Dembowski

I have an old fork with a Bakelite handle and will never stop using it.

Wyla Reedy

Looked like it was something to eat.

Richard G Schwartz

Good question.

larrywagner

WomanofSubstance, You better wake up, we in the good old U.S.of A. have done our share.

larrywagner

Irma Rivera, Are you hot on Stevie G?

Linda Spreng

WomanofSubstance, Are there any adult education classes in your area? Or aren't you an adult?

wordster

WomanofSubstance, You are unfortunately unfamiliar with the facts. One, plastic does NOT break down in two years. Two, the US consumes far more plastic than anyone else, and is far more wasteful in its habits of disposal. Three, the ocean is indeed a big place, but that does NOT mean we can throw millions of tons of waste into it without serious consequences to not only the ocean itself, but ourselves and our habitat and food chain. Please spend some time to acquaint yourself with the facts, which are widely published, before you sound off about it not being a problem.

Lisa G

Still use my Mom's Bakelite hair receiver on my vanity.

David McKay

I remember Mum and Dad’s old bakelite radio, with MW, SW1 and SW2 frequencies.

Suzanne Beer

Got it..

LeRoy Johnston

I Have a 410 Single shot, and a 12 Gauge Side By Side Double Barrel Shotguns Made During WW Two With Bakelite Stocks. because all the Walnut was Going into Military Weapons .

Steve Edwards

WomanofSubstance, your plastic straws and bags haven’t “broken down” to harmless materials in 2 years, they’ve just broken up into smaller bits of plastic. That isn’t the same thing! It’s these small pieces that get into our food chain, poisoning animals and eventually us!

Gypsy Glen

WomanofSubstance, dont be too harsh on all s.e asia they are a third world country and still learning. You should visit our beautiful rivers and highlands in victoria aus. where so many campers leave their bags of garbage behind after their stay. These people are a big part of rubbish going into the water ways.