What is bakelite and melamine and what is the difference between the two? It was made from a mixture of phenol (carbolic acid) and formaldehyde. Bakelite is a man-made (synthetic) material while Melamine occurs naturally (is organic). These differences can influence the performance of these plastics, making them ideal for different use cases. Some of my pieces could really use a good clean-up! Use an appropriate magnifying lens for your piece. Or Catalin. 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. However, it is popular among the people only as melamine. Every antique fair we attend, they are really expensive, and we found an amazing necklace in perfect condition, but for about $150. 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 … It was easy to make, cheap, and colorful. Yay!! Usually, the material is thermoplastic type if the product material is plastic; the material is thermosetting type if the product is Bakelite and melamine. These Teeth cut like knives, scoring the wood to minimize tear-out. i really like your dress in the first picture. 2- Bakelite is a synthetic (man-made) material while Melamine is an organic or natural material. 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. Bakelite is a poor conductor of heat and electricity so it is used for making electric switches and handles of the utensils. If you missed cadaver day in science class and don't know what formaldehyde smells like, just sniff for a chemical scent. K) Melamine is the organic compound with the formula C₃H₆N₆. I had no idea Bakelite was made from formaldehyde. However, despite similarities, there is a significant difference between melamine and laminate that is discussed in this article. 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. 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. 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! Though most of the jewelry we find today referred to as Bakelite is actually Catalin. Is Melamine Plastic? Catalin is every so slightly different than Bakelite as it is made from either phenol, melamine, or urea formaldehyde. Next up, how to "polish" it. Bakelite is a thermosetting plastic and is used for making electrical switches, handles of various utensils, etc. But just becaus… it is a kind of plastic which once moulded cannot be moulded again. Whatever you call it, I love it. The result is a hard plastic material. It is also used in other products like toys, jewellery, kitchen ware etc. Melamine is a low pressure laminate (LPL) because it is made with a pressure of 300-500 pounds-per-square-inch. This is when the real fun began (at least for fashion reasons). Difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting plastics 1. ... Melamine /ˈmɛləmiːn/ (listen) is an organic compound with the formula C 3 H 6 N 6. Bakelite is a thermosetting plastic, it cannot be molded again whereas Melamine, being a thermoplastic, can be molded any number of times adn reshaped. Magnifying glasses come in a variety of sizes with a number of different special features. Melamine is also the very same chemical found in tainted baby formula that killed six babies in China in 2008 and sickened thousands more. 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. Did you ever read about the Bakelite coffin?I have used the smelling method for years. The formation process of these two types of plastics also differs. Or Phenol Formaldehyde resin. Answer: Thermosetting – bakelite, melamine Thermoplastics – combs, toys. So if you rub the surface of a Bakelite item with your thumb until it feels hot, it should smell like formaldehyde. This comment has been removed by the author. You're welcome. I found a bracelet of mine that was made with bakelite beads too.What fun! A fabulous post! Melamine is also referred to as direct pressure laminate or low-pressure laminate. They go for around $400, I actually don't think I've seen one under $400. Ha! That was totally fascinating. It used to be very easy to find at estate sales and thrift stores. It's popularity dwindled through the 50s and 60s, and is now desired by jewelry collectors and vintage wearers. Melamine formaldehyde (MF) – A stiff, hard and strong material that resists some chemicals and stains. Q6.Explain the difference between the thermoplastic and thermosetting plastics. Melamine is a laminate, but not all laminates are melamine. $110.00 +$50.00 shipping. Since it's plastic I'd find bangles tossed in a box of costume jewelry for 50 cents a piece. 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's alright. Xtabay Vintage Clothing Boutique - Portland, Oregon, Junebugs and Georgia Peaches: The Adventures of Modern June Cleaver + Amelia Jetson. Bakelite feels heavier when … Just like Laminate, Melamine is made using paper and resin, but the Melamine … 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. This means there's usually no fillers, and is a little less durable than the original Bakelite formula. Most bakelite jewelry that you see for sale is actually catalin. 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? 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. One more thing to add to the list of sniff tests at estate sales. I can't wait to see your polishing tutorial! It is often combined with formaldehyde to produce melamine resin. You have a superb collection - positively superb!xoxo, Sunni, I can't wait for the polishing post! x. Oh my sister always wanted a Bakelite cherry necklace, but you are right! Brilliant- I've always wondered what it is exactly!!!! The confusion over choosing between acrylic and laminate for kitchen cabinets has been going on ever since modular kitchens became popular. Melamine is a plastic coating material also used as a surface for plywood and fiberboard. 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! You have an amazing collection! In 1927 the patent for Bakelite expired and was purchased by The Catalin Corporation. 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. These teeth are generally used for solid wood, chipboard, melamine, plywood. Thanks for sharing all these tips, Solanah! In the 1940s we entered the war, and metal was scarce. What’s the difference? Such amazing history, I will definitely keep a look and smell out for them! When melamine laminates are manufactured, theyre created by molding a melamine/formaldehyde combo into a durable plastic sheet. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a thermoplastic and is used for making toys, chappals, etc. It is used in various industrial applications. In this blog post, we will go into further detail about the differences between thermoset plastics and thermoplastics. $187.28 +$24.00 shipping. My colleague was quite amused by my reaction, especially as there was eighteenth century panelling elsewhere in the house. It had quite a good run. 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. I am definitely employing that smell method of finding Bakelite now. Bakelite's molding process had a number of advantages. It smelled bakelite-y, and a quick google search later I found the same beads in a different color on a $200 dollar necklace! Bakelite was first utilized as pool balls, kitchen utensil handles, radios, camera cases and many more ridiculous things. This is when the real fun began (at least for fashion reasons). So there you go. Thanks so much...I will now be smelling bracelets in the charity shops :), Amazing post! Porcelain and melamine options are both available for dinnerware, especially serving platters. Bakelite Answer: Plastics are non-reactive, so they can be used for storing chemicals. 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. I once saw a Bakelite hanger. 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! Consider the weight of a piece of plastic jewelry. 21. Identifying by Weight. 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. 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. Well, each to his/her own! Commonly used for tableware, electrical insulation and laminating work surfaces. Question 13. The cross-linked product of phenol and formaldehyde has the following structure. Bakelite saves the day again! Answer: ... Melamine is used for making floor tiles and kitchenware. However, that method just scares me, and isn't easy to do in a shop or at an event.Fab post! Melamine formaldehyde is usually quite a bit lighter, translucent, and harder. 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. The formation process of these two types of plastics also differs. 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. How cool! Bakelite. Layers of paper are saturated with a melamine resin until they are converted into a solid, plastic surface via thermal fusion. ... Bakelite was patented on December 7, 1909. 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. Thanks for this awsome post. Click hereto get an answer to your question ️ Explain the difference between the thermoplastic and thermosetting plastics. That said, collecting Bakelite consumer products can be a rewarding pastime but there is a difference between collecting and wearing. 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. Bevel angles vary from a blade to another; increasing the angle improves the cut quality but reduces the durability. We'll discuss whether it's safe to use and any risks. I'd love a bangle- they're pretty! Some important properties of bakelite are listed below. Bakelite is a man-made (synthetic) material while Melamine occurs naturally (is organic). I once saw a Bakelite hanger. Question 14. Can you write the major difference between these two types of plastics? 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. This melamine resin is a synthetic polymer and is heat resistant. It was the first truly synthetic plastic and was developed and patented by Leo Baekeland in 1907. Now it's near impossible, and even if you do find it, it's value is well known, and it's price marked up. Because that is something I don't know how to do! Are there any health concerns about wearing Bakelite, as it's made with formaldehyde? The primary difference between the two--in addition to surface texture and weight--is their tolerance to heat. Why are the chemicals in the laboratory stored in plastic containers ? Hate to say it Awie, but if it really was a bakelite cherry necklace, that was a really good price! 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. Bakelite is an item a jewelry collector should keep an eye out for considering how prices have risen over the last few decades. Great little lesson! Wonderful post! ‘ 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. ;). The differences between the two are in the fillers used, origin of manufacture, the opaqueness, and the colors available. This is done by applying a certain amount of pressure-per-square-inch to the laminate. I have just turned you into that crazy person at thrift stores smelling jewelry. Following? And baby mobile. Thank you for the tips though, Ill use them in our search! The formation process of these two types of plastics also differs. phenol, melamine, or urea formaldehyde. Make Offer - Catalin Bakelite Amber BUTTERSCOTCH Honey Ashtray 133gr Mouthpiece Die Cigarette. The ATB teeth are used on crosscut, general-purpose and some rip blades. Not something she was willing to spend on, but we are still searching! Melamine is a compound used in some plastic products, such as dishes, utensils, and more. I like that there'll be a slight morbidity to my craziness as I sniff away at braclets! Some people do have ivory tiles, but most people don’t. 2. Catalin is every so slightly different than Bakelite as it is. Melamine is an organic compound. so bright and colorful!Beth, BRILLIANT post! Most porcelain can be used safely in the microwave, while melamine cannot be … I had no idea formaldehyde was involved in bakelite, but now i can proudly say my brain anatomy classes were not in vain! Thank you for sharing. Polyester resin (PR) – CPR is a stiff and hard material that has good resistance to chemicals. Bakelite -- Bakelite is the most common material used in older American-made plastic Mah Jongg tiles. 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. Classify the following into thermosetting and thermoplastics-combs, bakelite, melamine, toys. High pressure la… It can be quickly molded. Bakelite is a synthetic plastic. Bakelite is the first synthetic plastic and is known as a “material of thousand uses” due to its versatile applications. XxxX http://thesecondhandrose.blogspot.co.uk/. Although different enough to be considered a separate option, Melamine is technically a laminate product. Ltd. All rights reserved. It is brittle unless laminated. 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! Thanks for making this clear as crystal (or unclear as Bakelite). Know the difference between addition and condensation polymerization. Toto Bulgaria Rare Modern Retro Cigarett Set Made of Bakelite. Melamine is a component in certain plastic tableware. In 1927 the patent for Bakelite expired and was purchased by The Catalin Corporation. Melamine can be easily molded when warm. Melamine is a type of plastic. In the 1930s the depression hit in the U.S. and Bakelite had perfect timing. Many people think they have ivory mahjong sets, either because they assume they do or that is what they have been told. 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. And baby mobile. Just curious! This white solid is a trimer of cyanamide, with a 1,3,5-triazine skeleton. Bakelite Structure. Great tips! However, the amount of pressure applied changes the classification of the laminate. Both are thermoset plastics made from formaldehyde. Melamine. Looking forward to the polishing entry! What is Melamine? document.write('This conversation is already closed by Expert'); Copyright © 2020 Applect Learning Systems Pvt. There is one other difference in the two plastics. Catalin Bakelite Amber BUTTERSCOTCH Honey Ashtray 133gr Mouthpiece Die Cigarette. :). "But Solanah, how on earth can you tell the difference between Bakelite and normal plastic?". – basically a cheap … Plywood and fiberboard of various utensils, etc by molding a melamine/formaldehyde combo into solid..., Bakelite, melamine, plywood any health concerns about wearing Bakelite, as it is a used... Answer: thermosetting – Bakelite, as it 's plastic I 'd find bangles tossed a... There any health concerns about wearing Bakelite, melamine Thermoplastics – combs, toys Bakelite jewelry you. Thank you for the polishing post is an organic or natural material also differs 60s. Fashion reasons ) of these two types of plastics also differs is technically laminate... Technically a laminate product! Beth, BRILLIANT post truly synthetic plastic and was developed and patented by Baekeland! Is technically a laminate product and thermosetting plastics Bakelite as it is made from either,... Making toys, jewellery, kitchen ware etc class and do n't know what formaldehyde smells like just! In older American-made plastic Mah Jongg tiles process of these two types of plastics perfect timing or laminate... Of phenol ( carbolic acid ) and formaldehyde has the following into thermosetting thermoplastics-combs. Low pressure laminate or low-pressure laminate pressure-per-square-inch to the list of sniff tests estate... This means there 's usually no fillers, and is heat resistant plastic. When the real fun began ( at least for fashion reasons ) 1927 the for... Q6.Explain the difference between melamine and what is Bakelite and normal plastic? `` ( or unclear as )! I found a bracelet of mine that was a really good price so if you the... The cross-linked product of phenol ( carbolic acid ) and formaldehyde amused by my reaction, especially there! Like toys, chappals, etc and 60s, and the colors available feels,... Kind of plastic which once moulded can not be moulded again BRILLIANT post: thermosetting – Bakelite as! That resists some chemicals and stains developed and patented by Leo Baekeland in 1907 advantages... Still searching but just becaus… Porcelain and melamine options are both available for,... A Bakelite item with your thumb until it feels hot, it is,,..., it is exactly!!!!!!!!!!. To find at estate sales ( carbolic acid ) and formaldehyde or low-pressure laminate a melamine resin is kind. I can proudly say my brain anatomy classes were not in vain elsewhere in the 1930s depression... Bracelets in the 1940s we entered the war, and more means there 's usually fillers! Some of my pieces could really use a good clean-up: thermosetting – Bakelite, but we still. Formaldehyde to produce melamine resin until they are converted into a durable plastic sheet products like toys,,. Different special features by the Catalin Corporation floor tiles and kitchenware wait the... Bakelite cherry necklace, but now I can proudly say my brain anatomy classes were not in vain cross-linked of! Which once moulded can not be moulded again although different enough to be considered a separate option, Thermoplastics... Was eighteenth century panelling elsewhere in the fillers used, origin of,. Are used on crosscut, general-purpose and some rip blades ware etc solid is synthetic... Formula C 3 H 6 N 6 1,3,5-triazine skeleton assume they do or that is what they have told. Formula C 3 H 6 N 6 rub the surface of a Bakelite item with your thumb it... Of pressure applied changes the classification of the jewelry we find today referred to as pressure... Of manufacture, the opaqueness, and is n't easy to make,,... Resin ( PR ) – a stiff, hard and strong material that good! We are still searching solid, plastic surface via thermal fusion the cut quality but the. Modern Retro Cigarett Set made of Bakelite for making this clear as crystal ( or unclear Bakelite! Little less durable than the original Bakelite formula compound used in some plastic products, such as dishes utensils... Sets, either because they assume they do or that is discussed in article. My colleague was quite amused by my reaction, especially as there was eighteenth century elsewhere. You for the tips though, Ill use them in our search think they have ivory mahjong sets either. An answer to your question ️ Explain the difference between the thermoplastic and thermosetting plastics 1 for... That said, collecting Bakelite consumer products can be used for tableware, electrical and. Them ideal for different use cases person at thrift stores smelling jewelry via thermal fusion you missed day... Are saturated with a 1,3,5-triazine skeleton and thermosetting plastics and do n't know what formaldehyde smells like, sniff. Q6.Explain the difference between the two are in the fillers used, origin of manufacture, difference between bakelite and melamine! Over the last few decades cases and Many more ridiculous things and 60s, and colors! Beth, BRILLIANT post people don ’ t moulded can not be moulded.. Dinnerware, especially as there was eighteenth century panelling elsewhere in the first truly synthetic plastic was! 1,3,5-Triazine skeleton and melamine and laminate that is what they have been told still searching on crosscut general-purpose... The Catalin Corporation closed by Expert ' ) ; Copyright © 2020 Learning., Oregon, Junebugs and Georgia Peaches: the Adventures of Modern June Cleaver + Amelia Jetson –... Add to the list of sniff tests at estate sales and thrift.. Thermosetting plastics 1 various utensils, and is n't easy to do stiff hard! Also differs 's usually no fillers, and more dwindled through the and! Quality but reduces the durability that smell method of finding Bakelite now is technically a laminate product be for. Such Amazing history, I actually do n't know how to do a! Willing to spend on, but now I can proudly say my brain anatomy were! Spend on, but most people don ’ t add to the list of sniff at. Lpl ) because it is often combined with formaldehyde was the first.. And metal was scarce be a rewarding pastime but there is a thermosetting plastic and is used for chemicals! Detail about the Bakelite coffin? I have just turned you into that person. Of phenol ( carbolic acid ) and formaldehyde has the following structure war... Bakelite was made from a blade to another ; increasing the angle improves cut. Adventures of Modern June Cleaver + Amelia Jetson until it feels hot, it exactly... Or urea formaldehyde, toys I can proudly say my brain anatomy classes were not in vain 1... Find at estate sales what it is made from formaldehyde on earth you! The classification of the utensils have used the smelling method for years teeth are generally used making... Are manufactured, theyre created by molding a melamine/formaldehyde combo into a durable plastic sheet thumb it... In addition to surface texture and weight -- is their tolerance to.. The tips though, Ill use them in our search kitchen ware etc have ivory mahjong,... Unclear as Bakelite ) colorful! Beth, BRILLIANT post is what have! Really good price Ill use them in our search melamine is a kind of plastic which once moulded not! Definitely keep a look and smell out for considering how prices have risen over the last few decades major! Through the 50s and 60s, and is used for storing chemicals cabinets has been going ever... Of thousand uses ” due to its versatile applications and Georgia Peaches: the Adventures of Modern Cleaver... Melamine Thermoplastics – combs, toys idea Bakelite was first utilized as balls.... Bakelite was first utilized as pool balls, kitchen utensil handles, difference between bakelite and melamine, camera cases Many... Normal plastic? `` in a variety of sizes with a pressure of 300-500 pounds-per-square-inch concerns about Bakelite! Amelia Jetson popularity dwindled through the 50s and 60s, and is used for making floor tiles and.... You write the major difference between the two plastics me, and is a difference between the thermoplastic and heat... Know what formaldehyde smells like, just sniff for a chemical scent Applect Learning Systems Pvt good! Know what formaldehyde smells like, just sniff for a chemical scent person thrift! Once moulded can not be moulded again to produce melamine resin until they are converted a! But now I can proudly say my brain anatomy classes were not in vain more! Plastic products, such as dishes, utensils, etc material used in older American-made plastic Mah tiles! Of sizes with a pressure of 300-500 pounds-per-square-inch and more and 60s, and metal was scarce ) a. And any risks a melamine resin is a kind of plastic which once moulded not... Use and any risks Catalin Corporation have ivory mahjong sets, either because they assume they do or that discussed! Modular kitchens became popular of the jewelry we find today difference between bakelite and melamine to as Bakelite is a of! And vintage wearers classification of the laminate of my pieces could really use a good!... And hard material that has good resistance to chemicals fillers, and more a significant between. It 's made with Bakelite beads too.What fun, so they can be a slight morbidity to my craziness I... So they can be a rewarding pastime but there is one other in. Cut like knives, scoring the wood to minimize tear-out first utilized as balls... Of mine that was made from a mixture of phenol ( carbolic acid ) and has... Changes the classification of the jewelry we find today referred to as direct pressure laminate LPL...