Question

State whether bakelite is a thermoplastic or a thermosetting plastic. Give reasons for your answer.

Answer 1

1. Bakelite is a thermosetting plastic.
2. It is formed by condensation polymerization of phenol with formaldehyde, producing a heavily cross‑linked three‑dimensional network.
3. Once cured, it cannot be melted or reshaped; heating causes charring or decomposition instead of softening.
4. It is hard, brittle, heat-resistant, and insoluble, typical thermoset properties, so the material is permanently set.
5. I checked your uploaded files but found no content about Bakelite to cite.