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The advent of synthetic materials can be traced back to the invention of celluloid in the late 1860's. Although many natural materials had been combined to create substances not found in nature before, none were entirely man made. For example the blending of metals to make other metals of different properties. But truly there are no synthetic metals. Rubber was another substance that had a great many uses. Yet rubber as well is a natural substance. Trees are striated to bled the latex from them which is than processed. The Belgian chemist Leo H. Baekeland invented a substance in 1909 that would revolutionize synthetic chemistry. His invention was called Bakelite and here is it's storied fame. Bakelite was the first thermosetting plastic. Which means it does not soften when heated, a quality that lends itself to numerous uses. The chemistry of Bakelite is fairly simple compared to today's complex polymers. A combination of phenol (much like acetone or nail polish remover) allied with formaldehyde as a gas handled in 37% solution of water. Just these two substances modified by a multiple step process of heating and pressure produce Bakelite. Chemically speaking it is not a linear chain, but rather a three dimensional structure consisting of large molecules. It ruled the plastics world for 30 years. It is best known for it's applications to household objects. Vacuum tube radios encased in Bakelite where present in nearly every home in the U.S. We still see the today at antique fairs along with jewelry made from Bakelite. At first only 5 colors where available. Yellow, brown, butterscotch, green and red. Without pigment Bakelite has a yellowish transparent or transluscent effect. By mixing colors a marbled look could be created. When the patent expired in 1927 it was acquired by the Catalin Corporation. They added 15 more colors and made these available in blocks for artisans and hobbyists. In the hands of a skilled craftsman strikingly beautiful jewelery was hand carved. As the Depression of the 1930's took it's toll even on the wealthy,Bakelite jewelery became an inexpensive and fashionable replacement for the real thing. When World War II demanded more and more resources Bakelite was there. It's durability, malleability, heat resistance and availability made Bakelite a widely used substance in many applications. Millions of telephone housings where made from Bakelite. All of them in black. However as the war progressed Bakelite was being replaced by newer substances like lucite, fiberglass, vinyl and acrylic. Also these new compounds could be 'injection-molded' allowing them to take more demanding shapes. The glory days of Bakelite was over. Although it has never gone out of production it's modern applications are limited to use as an insulator, mainly in automobiles. The collection value took a boost in the 1970's when artist Andy Warhol became enamored with it. He collected Bakelite objet d'art as well as incorporating it into his art. Today Bakelite is prized for it's beauty and historical significance. Many items, notably radios can still be seen at flea markets and antique dealers. Over time Bakelite colors can change, often taking on a vibrant hue or a dreamy creamy, out of space look. Which brings up a final point. Fakes. The irony of a synthetic being faked is a testament to the renewed value of original Bakelite. Collector Sally Jarrett explains how to identify the real thing. 1) Rub your fingers over the piece until it is warm, then smell. It is unforgettable, formaldehyde or a carbolic acid. Intensity may vary but it is still there. 2) Immerse the piece in hot water. The smell should be the same. 3) Bakelite has a clunky sound. Hit two pieces of plastic together, than two pieces of Bakelite together. You will hear the difference. 4) Hot needle (be careful). Heat a needle until it is red hot and than pick an inconspicuous place on the piece to stick the needle in. Wait a second, only a second. There's that smell again. Also, non-thermo plastics will melt and celluloid is extremely flammable so be careful. 5) There is a product on the market called 'scrubbing bubbles' bathroom cleaner. When you put it on a Q-Tip and touch it to the Bakelite, the Q-Tip will turn yellow. This will not harm the Bakelite. 6) Colors- Some giveaways are colors and shapes. Look at some of the Bakelite books on the market and note the colors. Look at pieces reputable dealers have on display and become familiar with it's 'look'. 7) There is reproduction Bakelite being made. Some say the old is being melted down to make new. With jewelry one way to tell is the pin attachment. Prongs embedded into the piece to hold the pin attachment or tiny screws usually indicate an older piece. Glue or pins with 3 or more holes in the back usually means that it is new. So there you have it. For eons people have used the natural materials to create the useful and the fanciful. Stone, wood, bone, skins, clay, grass and many more natural substances in inventive ways. It's amazing to think it has only been a little more than 100 years since the first synthetic materials came into being. As you sit at your computer scan the items around you. It's unlikely that you will see many items that are truly natural. Bakelite was the first versatile and widespread synthetic. No doubt our lives would much less convenient without the revolution that Bakelite started.
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