Bakelite

الوصف

Bakelite is a material based on the t formaldehyde resin poly oxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride. Formed by the reaction under heat and pressure of phenol and formaldehyde, generally with a wood flour filler, it was used for its nonconductive and heat-resistant properties in radio and telephone casings and electrical insulators. Due to its hardness and durability, it was considered as a material for making pennies, due to copper being needed for shell casings. Phenolics are little used in general consumer products today due to the cost and complexity of production and their brittle nature. An exception to the overall decline is the use in small precision-shaped components where their specific properties are required, such as molded disc brake cylinders, saucepan handles, electrical plugs and switches, and electrical iron parts. The retro appeal of old Bakelite products, especially kitchen ware and toys, has made them quite collectible in recent years.