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How Bakelite® Molding Compounds meet the needs of demanding applications

Bakelite® molding compounds are engineering thermosets (ETS) not engineering thermoplastics (ETP). Once processed and cured, they are infusible and cannot be re-melted or dissolved. This is the key to their strength, toughness and durability.

Bakelite® molding compounds are formulated from one of four heat-cured, crosslinkable resin systems, which are combined with reinforcements, fillers and modifiers, to produce materials that meet or exceed a wide range of end use application requirements. The original and still predominant resin system used is phenolic: the other three are: melamine-phenolic, epoxy and unsaturated polyester.

Types of Bakelite® Molding Compounds Available

There are different types of Bakelite® molding compounds available, opening up awide field of varied applications for diverse demands.

General purpose and specialty molding compounds

  • Organic or mineral fillers
  • Graphite-extended for tribological performance
  • Specialty grade capable of being galvanically chrome-plated
  • Modified grades with enhanced dimensional stability and flame resistance

Glass-fiber reinforced molding compounds

  • High modulus, low creep
  • Mechanical strength at elevated temperatures
  • Resistant to automotive fluids
  • Dimensionally stable, capable of complex high precision tight tolerance parts

Advantages of Bakelite® Molding Comounds

There are a number of advantages that separate Bakelite® molding compounds from comparable materials. Depending on material type and application, these properties can even be amplified. General advantageous properties are:

  • High strength, rigidity and surface hardness
  • Exceptional dimensional stability
  • Low coefficient of thermal expansion
  • Good thermomechanical properties, virtually no cold flow (low creep)
  • High dynamic stress resistance (high fatigue stress)
  • High resistance to media, no environmental stress cracking
  • High thermal resistance, tolerant of temperature spikes in end use environment
  • Inherently flame retardant: incandescent wire resistance of 960 °C,
    special grades full fill UL 94 V-0 in thin walls
  • Good thermal and electrical insulating properties
  • Improved NVH (damping) vs aluminum
  • Tribological grades resistant to abrasion and wear