Bakelite

I am looking urgently for information about 'bakelite'. Has anybody
experiences in identification, conservation and restoration of this
early plastic? Especially current methods (if they exist) or ideas
on definite identification of bakelite, a phenol-formaldehyde
resin, would be very helpful. Looking at a radio case for example, I
am thinking of more simple macroscopic and microscopic examination
methods (colour, typical production marks, fillers, etc.) as well as
of more complicated methods, e.g. Fourier Transform Infra-red
Spectroscopy, Gas Chromatography or any other method of chemical
analysis.

Which kind of material are commonly used to restore breaks, cracks
or even the surface?

And are there reactions known between the content of Phenol and
Formaldehyde in the bakelite objects and other objects of
collections or in storage?

Hildegard Heine
Student of conservation, 4th year
University of applied sciences, Cologne, Germany


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 13:45
                 Distributed: Friday, February 25, 2000
                       Message Id: cdl-13-45-032
                                  ***