On This Day

Leo Baekeland

chemist; inventor of Bakelite

Born: Died: Belgian

Leo Hendrik Baekeland was a Belgian chemist. Educated in Belgium and Germany, he spent most of his career in the United States. He is best known for the inventions of Velox photographic paper in 1893, and Bakelite in 1907. He has been called "The Father of the Plastics Industry" for his invention of Bakelite, an inexpensive, non-flammable and versatile plastic, which marked the beginning of the modern plastics industry.

Notable For

Belgian chemist; inventor of Bakelite

Leo Baekeland's Historical Timeline

  1. Inventor Leo Baekeland patents the first thermosetting plastic, Bakelite, sparking the birth of the plastics industry

    Inventor Leo Baekeland patents the first thermosetting plastic, Bakelite, sparking the birth of the plastics industry

  2. Leo Baekeland dies

    Leo Baekeland, Belgian chemist; inventor of bakelite, known for belgian chemist; inventor of bakelite, died on 1944-02-23. Leo Hendrik Baekeland was a Belgian chemist.

Associated Historical Events

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Leo Baekeland born?
Leo Baekeland was born on 1863-02-23 (Belgian).
What is Leo Baekeland known for?
Belgian chemist; inventor of Bakelite
What historical events involved Leo Baekeland?
Leo Baekeland was involved in 2 recorded historical events, including Inventor Leo Baekeland patents the first thermosetting plastic, Bakelite, sparking the birth of the plastics industry, Leo Baekeland dies.
When did Leo Baekeland die?
Leo Baekeland died on 1944-01-01.

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