Where Was Bakelite Invented?

It was developed by the Belgian-American chemist Leo Baekeland in Yonkers, New York, in 1907. Bakelite was patented on December 7, 1909.

When was Bakelite first made?

Centuries later the Iron Age introduced iron as the material of choice. The introduction of Bakelite—the world's first synthetic plastic—in 1907 marked the introduction of the Polymer Age.

Who invented Bakelite in 1909?

The Belgian-born chemist and entrepreneur Leo Baekeland invented Bakelite, the first fully synthetic plastic. Colorful objects made of Bakelite—jewelry, telephones, radios, and billiard balls, to name just a few—brightened everyday life in the first half of the 20th century.

Robert Thorne

Robert Thorne

Automotive & Future Transportation Editor

Robert Thorne covers electric vehicle innovations, autonomous driving systems, global mobility trends, and automotive engineering developments.