Bakelite Is an Example of ________ Plastics

Bakelite Is an Example of ________ Plastics?

Answer: thermosetting polymer

Explanation

Bakelite is a thermosetting polymer that also happens to be a type of phenol-formaldehyde polymer. The condensation reaction of phenol with formaldehyde in the presence of an acid or a basic catalyst produces these. The process begins with the creation of o- and/or p-hydroxymethyl phenol derivatives, which then react with phenol to produce compounds with rings connected by -CH2 groups.

Preparation of Bakelite

When phenol is consumed in excess in an acidic media, the condensation reaction produces an acidic result. The amount of formaldehyde in the combination is more than the amount of phenol in the mixture, and the reaction takes place in a basic media, yielding Resol. The reaction that occurs is extremely exothermic.

The following are the steps for preparing Bakelite:

1. Ortho and para hydroxy benzyl alcohols are formed when phenol and formaldehyde are mixed.
2. The hydroxy benzyl alcohol is used to make Novolac, and a water molecule is removed from the process.
3. Novolac is used to make bakelite.
4. Bakelite is made by heating phenol and formaldehyde in the presence of a catalyst such as ZnCl₂, HCl, or NH₃.

Bakelite has the following significant properties:

1. It is the trade name for phenol-formaldehyde resin.
2. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors.
3. Bakelite can be formed quickly.
4. When heated, it is pliable and liquefiable, but when cooled, it becomes permanently rigid. As a result, it’s sometimes referred to as thermosetting plastic.
5. It is highly resistant to the effects of electricity, heat, and other chemicals. As a result, Bakelite is chosen for electronic devices, switches, and vehicle parts.
6. Because of its limited electrical conductivity, it is resistant to electric current.