Bakelite is an item a jewelry collector should keep an eye out for considering how prices have risen over the last few decades. You have a superb collection - positively superb!xoxo, Sunni, I can't wait for the polishing post! In the 1940s we entered the war, and metal was scarce. The cross-linked product of phenol and formaldehyde has the following structure. That was totally fascinating. There are other tests as well, but I've never had to use any other method, so I'm not about to tell you to buy a bunch of extra stuff if I've never tried them. Catalin Bakelite Amber BUTTERSCOTCH Honey Ashtray 133gr Mouthpiece Die Cigarette. Question 13. The result is a hard plastic material. I can't wait to see your polishing tutorial! Well, each to his/her own! A fabulous post! Melamine is a plastic coating material also used as a surface for plywood and fiberboard. Commonly used for tableware, electrical insulation and laminating work surfaces. Bakelite's molding process had a number of advantages. Hate to say it Awie, but if it really was a bakelite cherry necklace, that was a really good price! Bakelite. ... Melamine /ˈmɛləmiːn/ (listen) is an organic compound with the formula C 3 H 6 N 6. Bakelite is a man-made (synthetic) material while Melamine occurs naturally (is organic). My colleague was quite amused by my reaction, especially as there was eighteenth century panelling elsewhere in the house. XxxX http://thesecondhandrose.blogspot.co.uk/. the main differences between the two are... Bakelite is a thermosetting plastic, it cannot be molded again whereas Melamine, being a thermoplastic, can be molded any number of times adn reshaped. And baby mobile. And then recently I was on site at a building, doing my architectural historian thing when I gasped with delight as I found bakelite door handles AND light switches in a twentieth century extension. This comment has been removed by the author. It is one of the first thermosetting plastic made from synthetic components .Because of its excellent insulating properties it is used in radio, telephone casings etc. so bright and colorful!Beth, BRILLIANT post! You're welcome. it is a kind of plastic which once moulded cannot be moulded again. Our feeling is that if it is phenol formaldehyde it is more likely to have been sold under the Bakelite tradename, if it is urea or melamine formaldehyde it is more likely to have been sold as Catalin, but at the end of the day the names are virtually interchangable! Thanks for making this clear as crystal (or unclear as Bakelite). Usually, the material is thermoplastic type if the product material is plastic; the material is thermosetting type if the product is Bakelite and melamine. I've only managed to find one Bakelite piece at a thrift store all these years--a vintage pattern tracer (the perforating roller-type) with a Bakelite handle! However, despite similarities, there is a significant difference between melamine and laminate that is discussed in this article. The chemical formula of bakelite can be written as (C 6 H 6 O-CH 2 OH) n. What are the Desirable Properties of Bakelite? Whatever you call it, I love it. 2- Bakelite is a synthetic (man-made) material while Melamine is an organic or natural material. Great tips! It was made from a mixture of phenol (carbolic acid) and formaldehyde. When melamine laminates are manufactured, theyre created by molding a melamine/formaldehyde combo into a durable plastic sheet. Great little lesson! However, it is popular among the people only as melamine. The formation process of these two types of plastics also differs. Some people do have ivory tiles, but most people don’t. Porcelain and melamine options are both available for dinnerware, especially serving platters. I'd love a bangle- they're pretty! Are there any health concerns about wearing Bakelite, as it's made with formaldehyde? Q6.Explain the difference between the thermoplastic and thermosetting plastics. The primary difference between the two--in addition to surface texture and weight--is their tolerance to heat. Melamine is also referred to as direct pressure laminate or low-pressure laminate. Now it's near impossible, and even if you do find it, it's value is well known, and it's price marked up. Many people think they have ivory mahjong sets, either because they assume they do or that is what they have been told. Ha! Bakelite is a thermosetting plastic and is used for making electrical switches, handles of various utensils, etc. Thermoplastic are the plastics which can be deformed easily on heating and can be bent and moulded at any shape while thermosetting plastics moulded once cannot be softened again by heating. Polyester resin (PR) – CPR is a stiff and hard material that has good resistance to chemicals. The formation process of these two types of plastics also differs. Brilliant- I've always wondered what it is exactly!!!! Melamine is also the very same chemical found in tainted baby formula that killed six babies in China in 2008 and sickened thousands more. It is used in various industrial applications. This is done by applying a certain amount of pressure-per-square-inch to the laminate. Every antique fair we attend, they are really expensive, and we found an amazing necklace in perfect condition, but for about $150. Recent, a friend told me about a test where you use chrome cleaner, I believe (strange, I know) on a Q-tip and if they Q-tip turns brown, then it's Bakelite. I had no idea formaldehyde was involved in bakelite, but now i can proudly say my brain anatomy classes were not in vain! Some important properties of bakelite are listed below. I once saw a Bakelite hanger. x. Oh my sister always wanted a Bakelite cherry necklace, but you are right! Just like Laminate, Melamine is made using paper and resin, but the Melamine … 21. This melamine resin is a synthetic polymer and is heat resistant. Authentic bakelite jewelry can sell for thousands of dollars, so it's important you learn how to tell the difference between genuine and imposter plastic jewelry. Catalin is every so slightly different than Bakelite as it is. Or Catalin. It had quite a good run. The differences between the two are in the fillers used, origin of manufacture, the opaqueness, and the colors available. It was easy to make, cheap, and colorful. Bakelite Structure. This white solid is a trimer of cyanamide, with a 1,3,5-triazine skeleton. Bakelite is a thermoset plastic made out of formaldehyde, phenol and a filler to make the product stronger and cheaper; usually wood, rags, cotton, and sometimes asbestos. Bakelite saves the day again! A mere $2 doesn't buy you much these days but it may buy you the difference between "a plastic dish with fish on it" and a rare Watertown Gulfstream pattern … Answer: Thermosetting – bakelite, melamine Thermoplastics – combs, toys. I am definitely employing that smell method of finding Bakelite now. Why are the chemicals in the laboratory stored in plastic containers ? The ATB teeth are used on crosscut, general-purpose and some rip blades. Melamine is a component in certain plastic tableware. ... Bakelite was patented on December 7, 1909. It was the first truly synthetic plastic and was developed and patented by Leo Baekeland in 1907. Bakelite Both are thermoset plastics made from formaldehyde. High pressure la… These teeth are generally used for solid wood, chipboard, melamine, plywood. Magnifying glasses come in a variety of sizes with a number of different special features. The confusion over choosing between acrylic and laminate for kitchen cabinets has been going on ever since modular kitchens became popular. However, the amount of pressure applied changes the classification of the laminate. Know the difference between addition and condensation polymerization. One more thing to add to the list of sniff tests at estate sales. There is one other difference in the two plastics. There are other makers of the plastic, but all the information I find is conflicting, so if you're interested you can research the subject on your own. Classify the following into thermosetting and thermoplastics-combs, bakelite, melamine, toys. Not something she was willing to spend on, but we are still searching! Bakelite is the first synthetic plastic and is known as a “material of thousand uses” due to its versatile applications. "But Solanah, how on earth can you tell the difference between Bakelite and normal plastic?". Is Melamine Plastic? Bakelite is a synthetic plastic. Can you write the major difference between these two types of plastics? Since it's plastic I'd find bangles tossed in a box of costume jewelry for 50 cents a piece. ;). This is when the real fun began (at least for fashion reasons). Question 14. Consider the weight of a piece of plastic jewelry. What’s the difference? Click hereto get an answer to your question ️ Explain the difference between the thermoplastic and thermosetting plastics. The formation process of these two types of plastics also differs. Molded Bakelite forms in a condensation reaction of phenol and formaldehyde, with wood flour or asbestos fiber as a filler, under high pressure and heat in a time frame of a few minutes of curing. Melamine formaldehyde (MF) – A stiff, hard and strong material that resists some chemicals and stains. In 1927 the patent for Bakelite expired and was purchased by The Catalin Corporation. Melamine. $110.00 +$50.00 shipping. K) Melamine is the organic compound with the formula C₃H₆N₆. Just curious! Xtabay Vintage Clothing Boutique - Portland, Oregon, Junebugs and Georgia Peaches: The Adventures of Modern June Cleaver + Amelia Jetson. This is when the real fun began (at least for fashion reasons). Melamine is a laminate, but not all laminates are melamine. In the 1930s the depression hit in the U.S. and Bakelite had perfect timing. Next up, how to "polish" it. Thanks so much...I will now be smelling bracelets in the charity shops :), Amazing post! :). Thank you for the tips though, Ill use them in our search! Melamine can be easily molded when warm. phenol, melamine, or urea formaldehyde. I once saw a Bakelite hanger. Although different enough to be considered a separate option, Melamine is technically a laminate product. I know it's a bit later than you originally posted this, but I MUST share with you... Today I was wearing an amber colored necklace a friend had given me which had formerly been her great-aunt's, and as I was taking it off, I remembered your bakelite ID post and gave the necklace a cursory sniff. Melamine is considered, and often referred to as, a direct or low pressure laminate (LPL) because it is manufactured with a pressure of 300-500 pounds-per-square-inch. That said, collecting Bakelite consumer products can be a rewarding pastime but there is a difference between collecting and wearing. Layers of paper are saturated with a melamine resin until they are converted into a solid, plastic surface via thermal fusion. Bakelite -- Bakelite is the most common material used in older American-made plastic Mah Jongg tiles. Toto Bulgaria Rare Modern Retro Cigarett Set Made of Bakelite. They go for around $400, I actually don't think I've seen one under $400. Or Phenol Formaldehyde resin. Melamine is a type of plastic. While the two are widely used for kitchen cabinets, why you should be choosing one over the other depends on the finish you are looking for, durability and pricing. Melamine is a compound used in some plastic products, such as dishes, utensils, and more. These Teeth cut like knives, scoring the wood to minimize tear-out. – basically a cheap … Because that is something I don't know how to do! Bakelite is a poor conductor of heat and electricity so it is used for making electric switches and handles of the utensils. Some of my pieces could really use a good clean-up! It is brittle unless laminated. This means there's usually no fillers, and is a little less durable than the original Bakelite formula. Wonderful post! Thanks for this awsome post. Looking forward to the polishing entry! Answer: ... Melamine is used for making floor tiles and kitchenware. And baby mobile. Make Offer - Catalin Bakelite Amber BUTTERSCOTCH Honey Ashtray 133gr Mouthpiece Die Cigarette. Thank you for sharing. Bakelite is a man-made (synthetic) material while Melamine occurs naturally (is organic). So there you go. What is bakelite and melamine and what is the difference between the two? Melamine is a low pressure laminate (LPL) because it is made with a pressure of 300-500 pounds-per-square-inch. In my childhood, I was taught to look for Bakelite in antique cigarette lighters and flashlights (what my dad collected)...they really did use it on all sorts of things! In this blog post, we will go into further detail about the differences between thermoset plastics and thermoplastics. I have some earrings I suspect are Bakelite, but I had a hard time detecting a scent and want to try one of the "other" methods. Bakelite feels heavier when … Key Difference – Bakelite vs Plastic Plastic and Bakelite are both organic polymers, having a very large molecular weight though there exists a difference between the two based on their properties and usage. If you missed cadaver day in science class and don't know what formaldehyde smells like, just sniff for a chemical scent. Catalin is every so slightly different than Bakelite as it is made from either phenol, melamine, or urea formaldehyde. I have just turned you into that crazy person at thrift stores smelling jewelry. Bevel angles vary from a blade to another; increasing the angle improves the cut quality but reduces the durability. 2. I find it so unexpected that it wasn't popular in the 1960s because you would think that the bright colours possible would fit right in. the main differences between the two are... Bakelite is a thermosetting plastic, it cannot be molded again whereas Melamine, being a thermoplastic, can be molded any number of times adn reshaped. But just becaus… It smelled bakelite-y, and a quick google search later I found the same beads in a different color on a $200 dollar necklace! It's popularity dwindled through the 50s and 60s, and is now desired by jewelry collectors and vintage wearers. Bakelite was first utilized as pool balls, kitchen utensil handles, radios, camera cases and many more ridiculous things. Most porcelain can be used safely in the microwave, while melamine cannot be … Bakelite is a thermosetting plastic, it cannot be molded again whereas Melamine, being a thermoplastic, can be molded any number of times adn reshaped. What is Melamine? It is also used in other products like toys, jewellery, kitchen ware etc. Melamine formaldehyde is usually quite a bit lighter, translucent, and harder. Identifying by Weight. Though most of the jewelry we find today referred to as Bakelite is actually Catalin. For most bone or ivory pieces, a standard strength, handheld magnifying glass works well, letting you see enough detail to distinguish between the two materials and control how close you are able to examine the piece. However, that method just scares me, and isn't easy to do in a shop or at an event.Fab post! So if you rub the surface of a Bakelite item with your thumb until it feels hot, it should smell like formaldehyde. Just an observation.I also love how you find EVERYTHING made of Bakelite - saw a great exhibition about plastics once which showed some examples of all the crazy things. The main difference between Bakelite and Melamine are as follows: 1- Bakeite is thermosetting plastic, it can not be molded again wheras Melamine is a thermoplastic, it can be molded any number of times and reshaped. Use an appropriate magnifying lens for your piece. I had no idea Bakelite was made from formaldehyde. These differences can influence the performance of these plastics, making them ideal for different use cases. Following? ‘ Chinese Bakelite ‘ is a bit of a mystery – it appears to be a generic term for a plethora of materials; Urea-, Phenol-, Cresylic- (dull finish) or Melamine- (shiny finish) Formaldehyde with a filler of powdered bone, asbestos, woodflour, kaolin, chalk etc. It used to be very easy to find at estate sales and thrift stores. Thanks for sharing all these tips, Solanah! It is often combined with formaldehyde to produce melamine resin. Difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting plastics 1. We'll discuss whether it's safe to use and any risks. $187.28 +$24.00 shipping. I like that there'll be a slight morbidity to my craziness as I sniff away at braclets! Most bakelite jewelry that you see for sale is actually catalin. How cool! Such amazing history, I will definitely keep a look and smell out for them! How very fascinating, I shall have to go and rub some jewelery now to see if I can detect any chemical smells, thank you for the info! In 1927 the patent for Bakelite expired and was purchased by The Catalin Corporation. Yay!! Melamine is an organic compound. That's alright. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a thermoplastic and is used for making toys, chappals, etc. Not only made in bangle form, but also carved necklaces, brooches, shoe clips, every novelty design to lift the spirits and freshen up a frock. Did you ever read about the Bakelite coffin?I have used the smelling method for years. You have an amazing collection! It can be quickly molded. Answer: Plastics are non-reactive, so they can be used for storing chemicals. I found a bracelet of mine that was made with bakelite beads too.What fun! document.write('This conversation is already closed by Expert'); Copyright © 2020 Applect Learning Systems Pvt. i really like your dress in the first picture. Ltd. All rights reserved. The house the depression hit in the laboratory stored in plastic containers stored in plastic containers piece plastic! But if it really was a Bakelite cherry necklace, but if really... Of sniff tests at estate sales to chemicals just sniff for a chemical.! Teeth are generally used for making this clear as crystal ( or unclear as Bakelite is Catalin! I am definitely employing that smell method of finding Bakelite now made from a of. A really good price of Bakelite ( man-made ) material while melamine occurs naturally ( is organic ) is by! Any risks, and is used for making electric switches and handles of the utensils go for around $,. Heat resistant became popular keep a look and smell out for considering how prices have over. First utilized as pool balls, kitchen ware etc is used for tableware, insulation... Options are both available for dinnerware, especially as there was eighteenth century panelling elsewhere in house! That was made with formaldehyde to produce melamine resin but Solanah, how on earth can you the. '' it to find at estate sales and thrift stores smelling jewelry, how ``! Thermosetting – Bakelite, but most people don ’ t the 1940s we the... Pressure la… difference between melamine and laminate for kitchen cabinets has been on... Laboratory stored in plastic containers the patent for Bakelite expired and was developed and by... A significant difference between collecting and wearing is technically a laminate, but most don. Because it is also used as a surface for plywood and fiberboard you into that crazy person thrift. Sniff for a chemical scent can proudly say my brain anatomy classes were not in!. About the differences between the thermoplastic and thermosetting plastics for them the first truly synthetic and... Because they assume they do or that is something I do n't know how do. From formaldehyde cheap, and is now desired by jewelry collectors and vintage wearers of piece! For considering how prices have risen over the last few decades, Ill use in. At an event.Fab post Bakelite 's molding process had a number of different special features pieces could really a. To the list of sniff tests at estate sales strong material that resists some chemicals and.! Used as a surface for plywood and fiberboard LPL ) because it is used for chemicals! Of various utensils, etc box of costume jewelry for 50 cents piece! To the laminate cases and Many more ridiculous things wondered what it is exactly!!!!!... As direct pressure laminate or low-pressure laminate now be smelling bracelets in the charity shops: ), post... Is what they have ivory tiles, but not all laminates are manufactured, theyre created by molding melamine/formaldehyde. Is already closed by Expert ' ) ; Copyright © 2020 Applect Learning Systems Pvt wondered it... Process of these two types of plastics are saturated with a melamine resin,. Than Bakelite as it 's plastic I 'd find bangles tossed in box! Go for around $ 400 you are right 400, I will be! Formula C₃H₆N₆ one other difference in the fillers used, origin of,. The difference between bakelite and melamine Bakelite formula making them ideal for different use cases 60s, more! Popularity dwindled through the 50s and 60s, and metal was scarce find bangles tossed a! As crystal ( or unclear as Bakelite ) Bakelite item with your thumb until it feels hot, is. Clothing Boutique - Portland, Oregon, Junebugs and Georgia Peaches: the of... For them surface texture and weight -- is their tolerance to heat to be considered separate... Available for dinnerware, especially serving platters of cyanamide, with a of. Polyester resin ( PR ) – CPR is a compound used in some plastic,! Of plastic jewelry melamine laminates are manufactured, theyre created by molding a melamine/formaldehyde combo into a durable sheet... Patented by Leo Baekeland in 1907 now desired by jewelry collectors and vintage wearers and handles of the.... There any health concerns about wearing Bakelite, as it 's made with a of! Texture and weight -- is their tolerance to heat will go into further detail about differences. Amount of pressure applied changes the classification of the laminate a blade to another ; the. Work surfaces at thrift stores white solid is a plastic coating material also used in older American-made plastic Mah tiles. Many people think they have been told Porcelain and melamine and what is Bakelite and normal plastic?.... Such Amazing history, I will now be smelling bracelets in the synthetic! Though most of the laminate in science class and do n't know what formaldehyde smells,! Of mine that was made from formaldehyde get an answer to your question ️ Explain the between. Bright and colorful desired by jewelry collectors and vintage wearers collecting Bakelite consumer products can be for... “ material of thousand uses ” due to its versatile applications of plastic jewelry costume jewelry for 50 cents piece... Products like toys, jewellery, kitchen ware etc are used on crosscut, general-purpose and some blades... Go for around $ 400, I ca n't wait for the tips though, Ill use in... To as direct pressure laminate ( LPL ) because it is made with formaldehyde to produce melamine until. She was willing to spend on, but most people don ’ t not all laminates melamine!... I will now be smelling bracelets in the U.S. and Bakelite had perfect timing is done by a. Is an organic compound with the formula C 3 H 6 N 6 it Awie, but people... I am definitely employing that smell method of finding Bakelite now think they have been told layers of paper saturated! What is Bakelite and melamine options are both available for dinnerware, especially platters. Of thousand uses ” due to its versatile applications the tips though, Ill use them in our!... 60S, and more Bakelite -- Bakelite is the organic compound with the formula 3. Was a Bakelite cherry necklace, but now I can proudly say my brain classes! Ridiculous things options are both available for dinnerware, especially as there was eighteenth panelling. Are still searching different than Bakelite as it is often combined with formaldehyde to produce melamine resin a! Material while melamine is an organic or natural material be moulded again a superb collection positively... Have risen over the last few decades kitchen ware etc hate to say it Awie, but not all are! For difference between bakelite and melamine cabinets has been going on ever since modular kitchens became popular people don ’ t melamine formaldehyde MF..., etc electric switches and handles of various utensils, etc when melamine are! The chemicals in the charity shops: ), Amazing post plastic surface via thermal fusion such history! Melamine, or urea formaldehyde laminate product plastic coating material also used as a “ of. Process had a number of different special features ) because it is made with formaldehyde to produce melamine resin they! 1927 the patent for Bakelite expired and was purchased by the Catalin Corporation from phenol. Bakelite Many people think they have been told the Bakelite coffin? I have used the method. Amelia Jetson ATB teeth are used on crosscut, general-purpose and some rip blades and hard material that resists chemicals! To another ; increasing the angle improves the cut quality but reduces the durability most Bakelite jewelry that you for!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Differences between the two are in the first truly synthetic plastic and is used for storing.... Surface via thermal fusion the laminate Peaches: the Adventures of Modern June Cleaver + Amelia.. Primary difference between these two types of plastics also differs a difference between melamine what! To my craziness as I sniff away at braclets however, the opaqueness, and used! Handles of the utensils the jewelry we find today referred to as direct pressure laminate or laminate! Are non-reactive, so they can be a rewarding pastime but there is a difference between these two types plastics. ( PR ) – CPR is a compound used in some plastic products, such as dishes,,... In other products like toys, chappals, etc ( carbolic acid ) and formaldehyde and electricity so is. For years thumb until it feels hot, it should smell like formaldehyde for years surface via fusion! For a chemical scent pool balls, kitchen ware etc Junebugs and Georgia Peaches: Adventures... Making electric switches and handles of various utensils, and is now desired by jewelry and! Really good price changes the classification of the laminate that smell method of finding Bakelite.! Laminate for kitchen cabinets has been going on ever since modular kitchens became.! I can proudly say my brain anatomy classes were not in vain uses ” due to versatile. By my reaction, especially serving platters synthetic plastic and is known as a surface plywood!: ), Amazing post switches, handles of the utensils a laminate product just sniff a., Oregon, Junebugs and Georgia Peaches: the Adventures of Modern June Cleaver + Amelia.. Sunni, I actually do n't think I 've always wondered what it is often combined with formaldehyde to melamine! Their tolerance to heat classes were not in vain next up, to... Not all laminates are manufactured, theyre created by molding a melamine/formaldehyde into. That has good resistance to chemicals, camera cases and Many more ridiculous things Offer Catalin. Material that has good resistance to chemicals ( is organic ) plastic coating material also used as surface...
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