Question

Why does Bakelite not become soft on heating ?

Answer 1

Hint : Bakelite is the brand name for a polymer made by polymerizing phenol and formaldehyde together. These are some of the first polymers that humans have created. Formaldehyde is used to react with phenol. The synthesis of ortho and para hydroxymethyl phenols and their derivatives results from the condensation reaction of the two reactants in a regulated acidic or basic media.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
When it comes to Bakelite's applications, it can be used to make electrical switches and machine parts for electrical systems due to its low electrical conductivity and great heat resistance. Bakelite is a thermosetting polymer with excellent strength, which means it maintains its shape even after lengthy shaping. Adhesives and binding agents made of phenolic resins are widely utilised. They're also employed in the coating business and as a form of protection.
Bakelite has also been used to make the handles of a range of kitchen equipment. It's one of the most frequent and vital polymers, and it's used to manufacture a variety of things' parts.
Bakelite is a type of thermosetting polymer. These polymers are cross-linked or substantially branched compounds that become infusible again after substantial cross-linking in moulds. These can't be used again. As a result, once thermosetting plastic has formed into a specific shape, it does not become soft when heated.

Note :
Bakelite, on the other hand, had clear drawbacks: it was tough but fragile. For others, the hardness and lack of flexibility that made it suited for some applications was a disadvantage. Freinkel summarises, "You couldn't manufacture packaging out of Bakelite, cotton, or anything transparent, incredibly lightweight."