Catalin is a brand name for a thermosetting polymer developed and trademarked in 1927 by the American Catalin Corporation of New York City, when the patent on Bakelite expired that year.
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10 Facts About Catalin
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Catalin is produced by a two-stage process, different than other types of phenolic resins, and does not contain fillers, such as sawdust or carbon black.
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3.
Catalin is heavy, quite greasy in feel, and as hard as brass.
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4.
Catalin radios were often made in stylish Art Deco designs and are sought after by collectors.
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5.
Catalin was used from the 1930s to 1950s for many household objects, jewelry, small boxes, lamps, cutlery handles, and desk sets.
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6.
The American Catalin Corporation introduced 15 new colors in 1927 and developed techniques to create marbling.
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7.
Notable designers of Catalin radios included Norman Bel Geddes and Walter Dorwin Teague.
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8.
The bright colors of Catalin radios were meant to convey optimism during the Great Depression.
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9.
Jewelry made out of Catalin is usually referred to as Bakelite in the antique trade, while the household items, radios, cutlery, etc.
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10.
Catalin has been used for mountings on the great highland bagpipe.
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