Bakelite Board Introduction

Bakelite Board (English: Phenolic Laminate Board or Bakelite Board) is a thermosetting plastic sheet made by laminating phenolic resin (phenol-formaldehyde resin) under high temperature and pressure.

Historical Background: Invented in 1907 by Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland, it was the world’s first synthetic plastic and was widely used in early electrical and industrial applications.

Core Components:

Base Materials: Paper, cotton cloth, fiberglass, etc. (different base materials determine performance variations).

Resin: Phenolic resin (provides high insulation, heat resistance, and mechanical strength).

Bakelite Manufacturing Process

The production of Bakelite board involves the following steps:

1. Raw Material Preparation

Base Material Treatment: Paper or cloth substrates are dried and impregnated with phenolic resin solution.

Resin Formulation: Phenolic resin is mixed with curing agents and fillers (e.g., wood flour, mineral powder) to adjust viscosity and curing speed.

2. Lamination and Molding

Layer Stacking: Resin-impregnated base materials are layered (thickness determined by the number of layers).

Hot Press Curing: Molded under high temperature (140–160°C) and pressure (5–10 MPa) to cross-link and solidify the resin into a dense structure.

3. Post-Processing

Cutting and Trimming: Cut into standard sizes or custom shapes.

Surface Treatment: Polishing, grinding, or coating with insulating varnish to enhance weather resistance and aesthetics.

Bakelite Key Properties

Bakelite board exhibits the following core characteristics due to its composition and manufacturing:

Bakelite Applications

Bakelite board is widely used in the following fields due to its versatile properties:

1.Electrical and Electronics Industry

Insulating Components: Circuit breakers, switches, terminal blocks, transformer insulating spacers.

Circuit Substrates: Early PCB (printed circuit board) base material, now largely replaced by epoxy resin boards.

2. Mechanical Manufacturing

Wear-Resistant Parts: Gears, bearing bushings, guide rail pads (utilizing low friction coefficient).

Tooling Fixtures: Insulating jigs, positioning blocks in machining.

3. Consumer Goods and Decoration

Handles and Casings: Electric iron handles, vintage radio casings (classic Bakelite applications).

Decorative Laminates: Wood-grain surfaces for furniture veneers.

4. Specialized Fields

Aerospace: High-temperature insulation components (requires fiberglass-reinforced Bakelite).

Rail Transit: Motor insulation pads, electrical cabinet partitions.

Common Types and Selection Guide

Limitations and Alternative Materials

Limitations:

Brittle; prone to UV-induced aging over time.

Poor environmental compatibility (formaldehyde emissions; gradually replaced by epoxy/PET boards).

Modern Alternatives:

Epoxy Resin Boards: Higher heat resistance and eco-friendliness.

Polyimide (PI): Suitable for extreme temperatures (>260°C).

Summary

As a classic insulating material, Bakelite board remains irreplaceable in medium-low voltage electrical systems and mechanical wear-resistant parts. Selection should align with temperature resistance, strength, and cost requirements, while prioritizing machining safety and environmental compliance.