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