Bakelite Бакелит

Polymers are chemical compounds with an incredible molecular weight, the molecules of which consist of a large number of repeating units -monomers.

The atoms of molecules are connected to each other by hydrogen, ionic and covalent bonds. Moreover, the chain structure of macromolecules fundamentally influences on their physical properties. The macromolecules of polymers can be linear, branched and lattice. Linear and branched macromolecules are characterized by a highly elasticity and thermoplasticity. The thermoplasticity is lost in the lattice structure. As the molecular weight grows, the mechanical strength increases too, as well as the transition from linear to lattice structures.

So, polymers have become unsurpassed materials in a huge number of spheres of life. Polymers are characterized by high mechanical strength elasticity, electrical insulating properties and many other valuable characteristics, which make them indispensable both in everyday life and in various branches of industrial production. Polymers have high resistance in environments such as alkali and concentrated acids, so they are used to transport certain chemical reagents, in particular hydrofluoric acid. Since most polymers are dielectrics, they are used for insulation. Of all the structural materials used, polymers have the lowest thermal conductivity, the greatest heat capacity and thermosoftening properties. In addition, packaging materials are also made by plastics, since they keep the food fresh for a long time, in the production of clothes, in medicine because of strength and lightness.

I'll tell you about one of the first synthetic plastics, which became a sensation, and used in our days.

The American chemist Bakeland was looking for a shellac substitute, a wax-like substance released by some species of tropical insects, since its price grew rapidly.

In fact, this is a highly vulcanized rubber. Formaldehyde resins are condensed with phenols in the presence of alkali. Bakeland obtained a polymer for which the solvent could not be selected. The obtained compound is soluble in alcohol, with prolonged heating it passes into an insoluble and non-melting form. It is a bad conductor of heat, well resistant to a pressure, friction jolts and bumps. It is also stable to a 300 C, at a higher temperature charring occurs, but complete combustion doesn’t occur. This facts led him to the idea this one can be a valuable material. In 1909, Bakeland reported on the material he had received, which he called Bakelite. That ones became synonymous with quality and progress.

In Soviet times from Bakelite they made cartridges for incandescent lamps, telephones, balls on the handle of gear in old cars, buttons. Products from Bakelite can resemble ivory, amber, and ebonite; in addition, it easily imitates the texture of the stone. That is why Bakelite has found application in jewelry business. Designers were attracted by an unlimited color range. In the transport industry Bakelite is used to produce brake mechanisms.

I am convinced that the chemistry of polymers is the most promising science, thanks to which humanity will discover unprecedented, truly fantastic opportunities for itself. Despite the fact that every three minutes a new polymer is discovered, high-molecular compounds will present the world many more surprises.