Tag: Thermosetting

Introduction

Circuit boards, plastic light fixtures, switches, and sockets can all be made of the synthetic material known as Bakelite. The characteristics include non-absorbency and non-conductivity, as well as high-temperature resistance. Because it is utilized in electronic devices, it is referred to as “Bakelite.” A heated mixture of granular phenolic resin, sawdust, and asbestos is used to make Bakelite, which is then poured into a mould. The phenolic resin was the first artificial resin. Plastic materials come in a wide variety. 

Types of plastics

They can be divided into two classes: Thermoplastics and Thermosetting.

Thermoplastics: These are the plastic materials used to make the handles of toothbrushes and bags. Thermoplastics are heated to convert into their different forms.

Thermosetting: After heating, the hardness of this plastic increases. Bakelite is one type of thermosetting plastic.

Bakelite preparation

Bakelite is prepared by following such steps.

1. 25 ml glacial acetic acid is taken in a beaker. 12.5 ml 40% formaldehyde solution is mixed with it and heated.
2. After some time, 10-gram phenol is added to it and at the end 12-15 ml of HCl solution is mixed.
3. It is put in a water bath and heated gently until a solid mass appears.
4. Then it is passed through the funnel, fitted with filter paper, and Bakelite remains as a solid compound.

Structure of Bakelite:

In the Bakelite structure, there is a cross-linking between phenol and formaldehyde. Bakelite can be written chemically as\(\;{({C_6}{H_6}O – C{H_2}OH)_n}\).

Properties of Bakelite

1. Bakelite can be easily generated, and the mouldings of Bakelite are corrosion and thermal-resistant.
2. It would be resistive to current flow because of its low conductivity to electricity.
3. Due to its low electrical properties and high heat resistance, Bakelite has also been used primarily in the production of mechanical and electrical components for electrical devices.
4. Bakelite contains phenolic components in the structure. For this, it is widely used in bindings.
5. Bakelite is moulded at a very rapid rate. 
6. Bakelite enables the production of extremely smooth mould.
7. Bakelite can endure harmful solvents.
8. When heated, it melts and solidifies. Then It becomes hard and can be moulded into desired shapes.
9. The cost of moulding decreases when an inert filler is used.

Improving your Science concepts. Study Science Lesson for classes 6th, 7th, and 8th.

Uses of Bakelite

1. To offer adequate security, it is used in parts that do not use radios or other electronic parts, such as plugs, buttons, hoods, wire cables, brakes, and so on and due to its shaping capacity, it is frequently used in everyday culture.
2. Due to its strong tensile strength and thermosetting nature, Bakelite may maintain its shape even after extensive production.
3. It has the ability to mould itself in various shapes, making this substance too much useful in modern society.
4. It is extensively used in making the parts of washing machines, cooking utensils, watches, toys, and many more.

Importance of Bakelite

1. Due to its many important uses as the first synthetic polymer, Bakelite has been appropriately termed “a thousand-use material.” Bakelite is used in the production of many products, including handles of plastic, telephones, ATMs, and so on.
2. Due to its strong resistance to both heat and electricity, it is used to produce numerous electronic components, sensors, and vehicle parts.
3. Besides these, the features of Bakelite are improved in various ways for better uses.

     For these reasons, Bakelite is so important in our daily life.

Summary

Being one of the most widely utilized thermoplastic materials in the nation, it is used to produce many other polymers. It’s vital to remember that because of the distinct characteristics of such a polymer, changing the temperature has little impact on the physical and chemical characteristics of that kind of substance. Having phenolic components in its structure, it is widely used in bindings. But it is very dangerous for human health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What occurs when Bakelite is heated?

Ans: As a result of heating a Bakelite, a watery condensation compound (Known as Bakelite A) is produced. Bakelite A becomes dissolved in acetone, alcohol, or extra phenol. Additional heating makes the product somewhat soluble, though the heat can still soften it. The consequence of prolonged heating is the formation of “insoluble, hard gum.”

2. Is Bakelite able to resist fire?

Ans: The handles of many kitchen appliances (fry pans, pressure cookers) are made of sturdy and long-lasting plastic known as Bakelite. It is also a bad conductor of electricity and heat, just like Melamine.

3. Is Bakelite resistant to chemicals?

Bakelite is a tough and chemically inert plastic that was created by combining phenol and formaldehyde. These two substances were obtained from coal tar and wood alcohol (methanol) respectively. Bakelite is inert to chemicals.

Introduction

Most plastic is made up of organic polymers. The chains of carbon atoms that make up these polymers may or may not be linked together with oxygen, sulphur, and nitrogen atoms. Given that they are made up of numerous repeating monomers, plastics can be thought of as both macromolecules and polymers. Different polymers have different backbones and side chains, which is how plastics differ chemically from one another.

What are Plastics?

A wide variety of synthetic and semisynthetic materials are used to create plastics. Different polymers have different backbones and side chains, that is how plastics differ chemically from one another. Polyesters, Silicon, Polyurethanes, Acrylics, and Halogenated are significant groups into which Plastic is divided into various polymers. Different physical characteristics of plastic include its hardness, tensile strength, density, thermal conductivity, and resistance.

What are Thermoplastic Plastics?

1. Thermoplastics are soft and less brittle and are created by additional polymerization. 
2. In organic solvents, they can be dissolved. 
3. The thermoplastics become softer when heated and can therefore be moulded into any shape while still warm. 
4. However, once cooled, the material hardens and rigidifies, holding the moulded shape. Without changing their chemical makeup, they can be repeatedly heated up and moulded into any other shape.

Mention some characteristics of Thermoplastic Plastics

1. Have high molecular mass
2. As the temperature rises, the intermolecular force between the chains weakens, producing a viscous liquid.
3. These polymers are moldable.
4. Easy to recycle
5. These polymers are strong yet lightweight.

What are Thermosetting Plastics?

The macromolecular chains in thermosetting polymers tend to bond with one another to form a cross-linked 3D network. Thermosets are other names for these polymers. The word “thermosetting” is defined as a term that refers to permanently setting upon heating. Thus, after being heated to their pre-thermoset form, the thermosetting polymers acquire their hard texture.

Mention some characteristics of Thermosetting Plastics

1. Typically, thermosetting plastics can withstand heat. They tend to break down before melting, though, when heat is applied at a high intensity.
2. Thermosetting polymers are brittle by nature because heating causes them to lose their elasticity.
3. These polymers cannot be heated again after they have been cured or moulded.
4. The constituent elements used to make the polymer have an impact on the Thermoset density.
5. Typically, thermosets are resistant to chemical harm.

Improve your Science concepts. Study Science Course for classes 6th, 7th, and 8th.

Advantages of Plastics

1. Plastics are incredibly flexible and can be moulded into a wide variety of designs to suit our needs.
2. It is extremely lightweight and strong in construction.
3. It can be altered into various forms, colours, and textures and gives us a significant marketing advantage.
4. Plastic products are corrosion-resistant and very inexpensive to produce.
5. Instead of other metal materials, plastic products can be handled and stored more easily. They can also be recycled and reused repeatedly.
6. Because plastic is water and moisture-resistant, it is also simple to store and transport food in plastic packets or containers.

Disadvantages of Plastics

1. The biggest issue in the world is how to dispose of plastics because they cannot easily decompose through any natural process, such as the action of bacteria or microbes. Since plastic takes a long time to decompose, it is not environmentally friendly.
2. Plastic contributes to environmental pollution because it releases a lot of harmful fumes into the air when it is burned.
3. Unlike metals, plastics cannot be recycled repeatedly into a wide variety of products because doing so compromises their integrity and quality.
4. Plastics are made from non-renewable resources like petroleum, natural gas, and coal, which contribute to the depletion of these resources and increased dependence on fossil fuels.
5. Plastic production generates significant greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change and its related negative impacts on ecosystems and human societies.
6. Plastics can have adverse effects on human health, with exposure to certain chemicals in plastics linked to various health issues, such as endocrine disruption, cancer, and reproductive problems.
7. The plastic manufacturing process can also negatively impact local communities and ecosystems near production facilities, often releasing toxic chemicals into the air and water, leading to pollution and potential health problems for nearby residents.

Summary

A wide variety of synthetic and semisynthetic materials are used to create plastics. One of the most significant chemical industry products that have an impact on modern life is polymers. The most prevalent examples of polymers are plastics, synthetic fibres, synthetic rubber, etc.  Compared to materials prepared with other metals like iron and copper, plastic-based products are more robust.

Plastic is more effective than metal for the preparation of various materials due to their distinct differences in characteristics. Plastics are incredibly flexible and can be moulded into a huge variety of patterns, vibrant colours, and forms. Consequently, many packaging materials are frequently made of plastic.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is plastic employed in the healthcare sector?

Ans. Yes, plastic is useful in the healthcare sector. This is because it is water and temperature-resistant, making it perfect for packaging medications, wound-sealing threads, syringes, gloves, and other medical equipment.

2. Why are plastics naturally non-corrosive?

Ans. The plastics are not corrosive because the materials inside them do not react or go through any chemical reactions. Plastic is used to make a lot of containers, including buckets, mugs, water bottles, and food containers.

3. Why is it necessary to recycle plastic?

Ans. Since almost all types of plastic materials are non-biodegradable and harmful to the environment, recycling plastic is crucial.