1. Bakelite is a thermo setting plastic. It is prepared from the monomers such as phenol and formaldehyde. The condensalion polymerisation take place in the presence of acid or base catalyst.
2. Phenol reacts with methanal to form ortho or para hydroxyl methyl phenols which on further reaction with phenol gives linear polymer called novolac. Novolac on further healing with formaldehyde undergoes cross linkages to form bakelite.
3.
4.
Uses:
1. Novolac is used in paints.
2. Soft bakelites are used in making glue for binding laminated wooden planks and in varnishes.
3. Hard bakelites are used to prepare combs, pens.
