phenolic plastic
Noun: A synthetic material made from phenolic resins; a thermosetting plastic known for its hardness, heat resistance, and electrical insulating properties. It is often dark in color (e.g., brown or black) and was historically one of the first plastics developed.
Phenolic plastic is used as a material for manufacturing various durable items. * Electrical switches and sockets are often made from phenolic plastic because it does not conduct electricity. * The old radio's casing was made of a dark brown phenolic plastic. * Kitchen countertops sometimes use laminates containing phenolic plastic for its durability.
- Technical Context: In engineering and materials science, "phenolic plastic" specifically refers to plastics formed by the reaction of a phenol (like carbolic acid) with an aldehyde (like formaldehyde), creating a cross-linked polymer that cannot be remelted.
- The component was molded from a glass-filled phenolic plastic for added strength.
- Phenolic resin (n): The synthetic polymer from which phenolic plastic is made. This term is often used interchangeably with "phenolic plastic," though it more precisely refers to the chemical substance before it is compounded or molded.
- Bakelite (n): A historical brand name for an early type of phenolic plastic, often used colloquially to refer to vintage items made from this material.
- Thermoset or Thermosetting plastic (n): The broader category of plastics that, like phenolic plastic, are permanently set into shape by heat and cannot be reheated and reshaped.
- Phenolic resin
- Phenol-formaldehyde resin
- Thermosetting phenolic
The term "phenolic plastic" refers specifically to the finished, hardened plastic material. It is distinct from the liquid or powdered resin state before curing. Its defining characteristics are its thermal and electrical properties, which dictate its common applications.
- a plastic consisting of phenolic resins