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