Bakelite is a thermosetting polymer that was invented in 1907 by the Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland. He discovered that by combining phenol and formaldehyde under high pressure and temperature, he could create a hard, strong, and electrically insulating material that was resistant to heat and chemicals.

Bakelite was an important development in the early 20th century because it offered an alternative to natural materials like wood, ivory, and amber. It could be molded into any desired shape and was relatively inexpensive to produce, which made it quickly popular in a variety of applications.

In the 1920s and 1930s, Bakelite was widely used in the production of telephones, radios, and other electrical appliancHistes. It was also popular in the automotive industry for its insulating properties and heat resistance, and was used for parts such as brake handles and steering wheels.

By the 1940s, Bakelite had become less popular due to the rise of new plastics such as nylon and polystyrene. However, it is still used in a variety of applications today, such as in certain types of electronics, injection-molded parts, and musical instruments. Bakelite is also collected by enthusiasts today for its historical and aesthetic value.