Give the properties and applications of Bakelite.

This is most common type of phenol formaldehyde. This is hard, thermosetting, dark coloured material.

Its major properties are:

1. Dielectric constant is 4.1.

2. Dissipation factor is 0.001.

3. Dielectric strength is 400 V/mil.

4. Its Volume resistivity is 10¹³ ohm-cm.

5. Its Maximum useable temperature is 300⁰F.

6. Water absorption is 0.13%in 24 hours.

Applications: This is widely used for moulded parts as lamp holders, instrument cases and small panels, as electrical parts and terminal blocks or appliances for example: plug holders and sockets.