b) Bakelite

Bakelite, invented in 1907 by Belgian-American chemist Leo Baekeland, was the first synthetic plastic, heralding the age of plastics. Bakelite was created as an insulating material for electrical components, but its durability, heat resistance, and moldability made it popular for a wide range of uses. It was used in products such as telephones, radios, and household items, marking a significant shift in materials engineering and manufacturing. Bakelite’s invention represented the beginning of the modern plastics industry, leading to the development of a multitude of synthetic polymers that have become central to everyday life.