Bakelite

Bakelite is one of the first synthetic plastics, created in the early 20th century. It’s made by combining phenol and formaldehyde under heat and pressure, resulting in a hard, durable, and heat-resistant material. Because of its insulating properties, Bakelite was widely used for electrical insulators, radio and telephone casings, and various household items. It’s notable for its electrical non-conductivity, heat resistance, and ability to be molded into different shapes. Although now largely replaced by modern plastics, Bakelite remains an important milestone in the development of synthetic materials.