Question

Which of the following is cross-linked to create bakelite?
(A) Novolac
(B) Buna-S,
(C) Dacron,
(D) PHBV

Answer 1

Hint: The name Polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride is another name for bakelite. The thermosetting kind. When phenol and formaldehyde react together, phenol formaldehyde resin is created. The joining of two or more molecules by an intramolecular or intermolecular link by covalent bonds is called chemical cross-linking. Consequently, the cross-linking of formaldehyde and novolac forms Bakelite.

Complete Step by Step Solution:
Phenol and formaldehyde are the two monomers that make up the type of polymer known as bakelite. This polymer is thermosetting of phenol-formaldehyde resin. Any material with a polymer structure possesses a molecular structure that is made up of several connected, comparable components. Almost everything in our environment is connected to a polymer in some way.

When phenol and formaldehyde combine to make Bakelite, the condensation process of a regulated acidic or basic medium with two reactants occurs. This causes the development of ortho hydroxymethyl phenols. The derivatives of hydroxymethyl phenols are also mentioned.
If too much phenol is consumed, the condensation reaction's end result will be acidic. As a result, the reaction medium turns acidic. However, when formaldehyde is consumed more in amount than phenol in the reacting mixture, the reaction takes a basic form. Resol is the name of the condensation product.

Thus, it is clear that Novolac and formaldehyde are cross-linked to create Bakelite.

Note: These inquiries might also include a section where the uses of Bakelite might be discussed. Brake pads, wire insulation, and other automotive parts can be made of bakelite. It has potential industrial applications as well. Bear in mind that Bakelite resists heat as well as chemical processes, has a dielectric constant in the region of $4.4$ to $5.4$ , and is not flammable.