Dr. Leo Baekland, a scientist, was responsible for the discovery of bakelite. He was born in Belgian. In 1889 he immigrated the the USA hoping for better career opportunities.

In 1907 he was working as independent chemist when by accident he discovered the compound of carbolic acid and formaldehyde. When he tried to reheat the solidified compound he discovered it would not melt no matter how high the temperature.

Shortly after he trademarked