B0023600 (bāk′lănd′), Leo Hendrik 1863-1944. Belgian-born American chemist who invented the first synthetic thermosetting plastic.
Baeke·land
(bāk′lănd′), Leo Hendrik 1863-1944. Belgian-born American chemist who developed Bakelite, the first plastic to harden permanently after heating (1907). His invention was a versatile and inexpensive material for manufacturing products such as telephones, cameras, and furniture.