Bakelite Plastic: What Is It?

 
 

From the toothbrushes we use whilst starting the day to ending our day by reading a book in the light of a lamp, plastic is an inevitable part of our lives. But do you even wonder where this all started? 

Well, let us look at the first synthetic plastic that revolutionised how we live our lives today.

What Is Bakelite Plastic?

Bakelite plastic is also very well known as ‘revolutionary plastic’. It is one of the oldest and the very first entirely synthetic plastic. Before it was created, some other plastics like galalith and celluloid were used during the 1800s. However, with the industrial revolution, other options started coming up.

The first one among them is the Bakelite plastic. A Belgian chemist named Leo Baekeland first created this plastic in 1907. This plastic is stronger, more durable and possesses much better qualities than the ones before it. 

Like many plastics we see today, not only is Bakelite lightweight, but it can also be moulded into various shapes. It is stylish and smooth looking and attracts many customers and manufacturers. 

But what makes Bakelite different and revolutionary?

Properties Of Bakelite Plastic

The answer to the question ‘what is Bakelite plastic’ is incomplete without mentioning Bakelite’s properties. Here are the structural properties of this type of plastic:

Resistance

Heat resistance is the superior quality of Bakelite plastic. Due to this resistance, it can be used in various equipment and settings that involve high temperatures without damage.

Electrical Resistance

Due to its structure, Bakelite has a very low electrical conductivity, which makes it an excellent insulator. It is widely used in many electrical appliances.

Mouldability

Unlike many old and modern plastics, Bakelite is a lot easier to shape. It has been used for thousands of purposes in almost every industry for many years. From jewellery and cookware to washing machines and telephones, Bakelite has been the foundation of people’s day-to-day lives.

Scratch-Resistant

When moulded, Bakelite is scratch-resistant and widely used in the cookware and jewellery industries.

Uses Of Bakelite Plastic

Bakelite was once known as the ‘material with a thousand uses’. This is still true to date. Even if there are many newer and better materials now, Bakelite is still very much relevant and widely used. 

Here are some areas of applications of Bakelite:

  • Jewellery making

  • Electric bulbs, sockets and bushings

  • Wireless telephone and radios

  • Automobile parts

  • Fashion industry

  • Toys and games like chess, dominoes, poker chips, etc

  • Wire insulation

  • Ablative heat shields.

Why Choose Bakelite From McNeall Plastics?

McNeall Plastics is one of the most trusted brands in the market when it comes to all things plastics. We manufacture Bakelite plastic with premium quality raw materials and cutting-edge technology. 

Here are various reasons why getting your required products made from McNeall Plastics can be beneficial:

Expertise And Reliability

McNeall Plastics has over 50 years of experience. Our team is more than qualified and knows how customers can be given the most value for their money. We have been consistently improving and raising our standards and hence have become Australia’s leading plastic manufacturers.

Technology And Raw Material

Using the best raw material and even better technology is how McNeall Plastics ensures customer satisfaction. Our raw material is sourced only from the most genuine and reliable sources to get your Bakelite plastic in its best form. Thanks to our technology, McNeall Plastics is the only brand in Australia that offers custom-made components so your needs can indeed be met.

Research And Testing

A lot of research and rigorous testing are put in by the experts at McNeall Plastics to ensure that only the best and the strongest products reach your doorstep. These testing and improvements make our products efficient, durable and beneficial for all purposes. Our products are made and tested according to the prescribed Australian standards and are reliable.

McNeall Plastics: Helping Businesses Through Plastic Engineering and Manufacturing

Bakelite plastic was the first and most revolutionary plastic created in 1907. It is mouldable, resistant to heat and electricity, and offers great strength and durability. After this, various synthetic plastics started coming up, but Bakelite’s qualities and strength have kept it relevant and useful. We hope your question ‘what is Bakelite plastic’ was answered through this article.

 
 
Cathy Ellis