What is the Difference Between PVC and Bakelite?

The main difference between PVC and Bakelite lies in their chemical composition and properties. Here are the key differences between the two:

1. Chemical Composition: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is made from polyvinyl chloride, while Bakelite is made from phenol-formaldehyde resin.
2. Thermoplastic vs. Thermosetting: PVC is a thermoplastic material, which means it can be melted and reshaped multiple times without any alteration in its properties. In contrast, Bakelite is a thermosetting material, meaning it can only be molded once and cannot be remelted or reshaped once it has hardened.
3. Secondary vs. Primary Bonds: In thermoplastics like PVC, there are secondary bonds between the molecular chains, while in thermosetting plastics like Bakelite, there are primary bonds between the molecular chains.
4. Recyclability: PVC is recyclable, while Bakelite is not.
5. Melting Point and Tensile Strength: Thermoplastics have low melting points and low tensile strengths, while thermosetting plastics have high melting points and high tensile strengths.
6. Applications: PVC is used for manufacturing toys, combs, containers, and other items, while Bakelite is used for manufacturing electrical switches, cooking utensils, kitchenware, and more.

In summary, PVC is a recyclable thermoplastic made from polyvinyl chloride, while Bakelite is a non-recyclable thermosetting plastic made from phenol-formaldehyde resin. They differ in their chemical bonds, melting points, tensile strengths, and applications.

Comparative Table: PVC vs Bakelite

The main differences between PVC and Bakelite are their chemical composition, properties, and applications. Here is a comparison table of the two materials:

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a thermoplastic material made from vinyl chloride molecules, which are linked together in a chain-like structure, making it a soft and potentially brittle material. It is commonly used in the production of toys, combs, and containers. On the other hand, Bakelite is a thermosetting material made from phenol-formaldehyde resin. It has a more rigid structure, making it a hard and brittle material. Bakelite is often used in the manufacturing of electrical switches, cooking utensils, and kitchenware.