1. Nature of Bakelite: Bakelite is one of the oldest synthetic polymers, chemically known as polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride. It is formed by the condensation reaction of phenol with formaldehyde.
2. Classification as Thermosetting: A thermosetting polymer is a material that undergoes a chemical change during molding under heat and pressure, becoming permanently hard and infusible.
3. Structural Reason: The key characteristic of Bakelite is its
extensive cross-linking. During the heating process in the mold, covalent bonds form between polymer chains, creating a rigid three-dimensional network.