How Plastic Was Engineered by Leo Baekeland
How Plastic Was Engineered by Leo Baekeland — an illustrated inventions story, set in United Kingdom. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Inventions.
Page 1
Jabari adjusted his goggles, the dim light of the cavern reflecting in the lenses.
Page 2
Grandpa Yuki chuckled, his voice echoing through the cavern.
Page 3
Suddenly, the machine whirred, and a swirling vortex of light enveloped the three of them. Jabari clutched his notebook tightly.
Page 4
They landed with a thump in a bustling New York City street, horse-drawn carriages clattering past.
Page 5
Inside the lab, amidst bubbling beakers and strange odors, stood a man with a determined look on his face. "This is him, this is Leo Baekeland!" Jabari whispered excitedly. Baekeland, wiping his brow with a handkerchief, muttered, "Another failed experiment. I need something that's moldable when heated but hard when cooled. Shellac is too expensive." Riku, unimpressed, leaned against a workbench. "Sounds... complicated."
Page 6
Jabari, emboldened by his passion for invention, approached Baekeland. "Excuse me, Mr. Baekeland? I couldn't help but overhear... are you looking for a material that can withstand heat and pressure, something truly... stable?" Baekeland turned, intrigued. "And who might you be, young man?" Jabari puffed out his chest. "I'm Jabari, a student of science! And this is Riku, and this is Grandpa Yuki."
Page 7
Jabari flipped through his notebook, pointing to a diagram. "I read that by carefully controlling the reaction between formaldehyde and phenol under pressure, you can create a completely new kind of material!" Baekeland stroked his chin. "Intriguing... but the pressures involved! The heat! I've already had several explosions." Riku chuckled nervously. "Explosions, huh?"
Page 8
Days turned into weeks as Jabari, Riku, and Yuki assisted Baekeland. Finally, after countless failed attempts, Baekeland emerged, holding a dark, solid object. "Eureka!" he cried. "I've done it! A material that's strong, durable, and doesn't melt or burn easily! I call it... Bakelite!" He beamed. "As Louis Pasteur said, 'Chance favors only the prepared mind.' All those failed experiments helped lead me to this one success!"
Page 9
Back in the present, Jabari closed his Wonder Inventions Encyclopedia with a satisfied sigh.
Page 10
Jabari grabbed his modern cell phone.
About this story
- Location: United Kingdom
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
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