EXPERIMENT NO 01:

     Preparation of phenol formaldehyde resin (Bakelite)

Apparatus:

1. Two 550ml beaker

2. Glass rod
3. Filter paper
4. Funnel
5. Measuring cylinders

Chemicals:

1. Phenol
2. Glacial acid
3. 40% formaldehyde solution
4. concentrated HCL or HCL gas

 Reactions:
               
            Phenol    +    formaldehyde   –―–―–¿      Bakelite polymer

  HCL
           C6H5OH  +  HCOH   ―–―–―–―¿         Polymer

Theory:

Phenol formaldehyde resin (PFS) are condensation polymers and obtained by condensing
phenol with formaldehyde in the presence of an acidic or alkaline catalyst. It was first prepared
by Backland, an American chemist who gave them the name as Backlite it is a thermosetting
polymer and it is It is used for many purposes for example it is used to make Automotive parts.
These are thermosetting polymers which on heating change into hard and infusible materials.
These Polymers are usually prepared by heating relatively low molecular mass, semi fluid
Polymers, which become infusible and form an insoluble hard mass on heating. The hardening
on heating is due to the formation of extensive cross linkage between different polymeric chains.
This leads to the formation of a three dimensional network of bonds connecting the polymer
chains. Since the 3D network structure is rigid and does not soften on heating the thermosetting
Polymers cannot be reprocessed. Some important examples of thermosetting polymers are
urea formaldehyde resin and melamine formaldehyde resin. Bakelite has many properties for
example it has very low conductivity. They can be quickly molded into any shape and retain
their shape. They are resistant to heat, scratches and destructive solvents. Due to its excellent
heat and electrical resistance it is used to make many Automotive parts and industrial
equipment. It is used to make electrical devices such as switches, and Wiring insulation. 

Procedure:

1. Placed 50 ml of glacial acid in 500 ml beaker. of

2. Added 25 ml of 40% formaldehyde solution and 12 gram of phenol.
 3. Added 12 ml of HCL in the mixture.
4. A large part of the mixture was converted into pink color plastic.
5. The Residue was filtered via filter paper.
6. Pink colored plastic or residue was washed again and again with distilled water.

Precautions:

1. Phenol should not be allowed to come in contact with the skin as it may penetrate in the
skin and cause a blistering.
2. Acids should be handled with extreme care.

Uses and application:

1. They are used for making decorative laminates, wall coverings etc.
2. They are used for impregnating fabric wood and paper.
3.  They are used as bonding glue for laminated wooden planks and in varnishes and
lackuers. 
4. Sulfonated phenol formaldehyde lessons are used as Ion exchange resins.
5. Dear used for making electrical goods such as a switch, plugs etc.
6.  They are used for making molded articles such as radio and TV parts, fountain pen,
photograph records.
7. This plastic is used to make Automotive parts.

Precautions:

1.   Personal safety:
 Use fire extinguishers in case of a fire explosion.
 Do not smoke because flammable liquids, gases and vapors can cause fire.

2. Equipment safety:
 Do not exceed the upper limits of operating conditions (T=temperature, P = pressure
F= flow rate, S= speed.)
  Check proper working of equipment ON / OFF circuit breaker or switch.
 Do not use equipment without a lab attendant.
 Do not try to become a juggler with equipment but if you don't know anything then report
and ask for it

3. chemical safety:
 Drain any residual water present in the apparatus. Do not expose flammable organic
fluids with flamer or spark.
 Do not eat any food in a chemical laboratory because its contamination with any
dangerous chemical can cause death.
 Do not taste any chemical as it can cause death.
 For dilution purposes of acids and alkalis the acid or alkali should be added slowly drop
by drop into water by stirring. The reverse process surely causes explosive phase
change of water. (e.g. H2 S o4 dilution)
 Gloves and Goggles must be worn whenever there is a risk for the eyes
 Wear a lab coat.