4 POLYMER CHEMISTRY

4.9 Preparation, properties and applications of Bakelite, Urea-

formaldehyde, Nylon-6, 6

BAKELITE
Preparation: Bakelite is obtained by the condensation polymerization of phenol and
formaldehyde in the presence
of an acid or alkali catalyst. The following steps are involved
(a) In the first step Phenol reacts with formaldehyde to form o-hydroxymethyl
phenol & p-hydroxymethyl phenol.
(b) In the second step condensation between o-hydroxymethyl phenol and phenol
occurs to give linear fusible
polymer (Novolac).

(c) In the third step a small amount of hexamethylene tetramine is added. It

produces formaldehyde and ammonia.
Formaldehyde converts the soluble and fusible Novolac into a hard infusible solid
of cross-linked three-dimensional
polymer called Bakelite while ammonia neutralizes the acid.

Properties
1. Bakelite is a rigid, hard, scratch resistant, infusible solid substance.
2. It is resistant to acids, salts and most organic solvents but attacked by alkali
3. It possesses excellent electrical insulating character.
Applications:
a) It is used for making electrical equipment like switches, plugs holders, switch
boards heater handles, etc.
b) It is used for making telephone parts, radio and T.V. cabinets.

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c) It is used in paints and varnishes.
d) It is used for making bearings, propeller shafts for paper industry and rolling
mills.
e) It is used in the production of ion-exchange resins.

UREA-FORMALDEHYDE
Preparation: Urea and formaldehyde react with each other in neutral or acidic
conditions to give mono methylol
or dimethylol urea which undergoes further condensation reactions to give linear,
partially cross-linked or fully
cross-linked polymers

Properties
1. It has a very high tensile strength.
2. Has the capacity of low water absorption.
3. It has the property of mould shrinkage.
4. Has a property of high surface hardness.
5. It can be elongated at break
6. It is volume resistance in nature.
Applications:
 UF resins are used as adhesives for plywood and furniture
 These are used for the finishing of cotton textiles, wrinkle resistant fabrics
 These are used for making buttons, vacuum flask cups and jugs
 These are used for bottle caps, colored toilet seats and are used also used to
glue wood together.
 Urea formaldehyde is mostly used when producing electrical appliances casing.
 Urea formaldehyde is also used in agricultural field as a source of nitrogen
fertilizer

NYLON-6,6
Preparation: It is obtained by the polymerization of Adipic acid with hexamethylene
diamine

Properties
1. Nylons show plastic and fiber property.
2. They possess good mechanical properties.
3. They are insoluble in common organic solvents and soluble in formic acid and
phenol.
4. They have high strength and abrasive resistance.
Applications:
a) Nylon-6, 6 is used as fibers for making socks, dresses, carpets, undergarments,
etc.
b) Nylon-6 and Nylon- 11 are used for molding purposes for gears, bearings etc.
c) They are also used for making filaments, films, bristles for tooth-brushes etc.

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