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Chapter 02 of 5

Bakelite’s Iron Grip

Leo Baekeland’s quest for a synthetic resin that wouldn't melt.

1. The Problem

   The Shellac Scarcity

   In the early 1900s, shellac was the standard for electrical insulation. It was harvested from the secretions of the Laccifer lac bug, making it expensive and rare.

2. Origin

   A Belgian’s Quest

   Leo Baekeland, already wealthy from inventing Velox photo paper, sought a synthetic replacement for shellac. He combined phenol and formaldehyde in his New York lab.

3. Mechanism

   The Bakelizer

   Baekeland used a heavy iron pressure cooker called a Bakelizer. By controlling temperature and pressure, he forced a chemical reaction that created a hard, amber resin.