From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Page 2 of a report comparing the material properties of Bakelite and Elo samples under various tests including heat, oil, petrol, and acid.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 39\3\ Scan127 | |
| Date | 18th October 1937 | |
| -2- Contd. Both water-soaked samples lost a little of their surface finish, but a ridge had formed on the piece of Elo, along the fractured edge. The piece immersed in oil seemed to be unaffected. The two pieces which had been used for the test in water, were now placed together on a plate over a gas flame, and heated gently until softening occurred. This took place at about the same time with each, but the Bakelite seemed to be slightly softer than the Elo. On further heating, both pieces began to blister and finally to carbonize. Held in the gas flame they burned about like wood. The two pieces from the oil test were put in petrol over night, for about 15 1/2 hours. When removed they were found to be unaffected. They were now placed in sulphuric acid, density 1350, and left for 24 hours. It was noted that the Bakelite just sank in this while the Elo just floated, showing that the specific gravity is about 1.35, the Bakelite being slightly higher. This treatment seemed to have no effect on either sample. An hour in strong sulphuric acid affected the colour of both pieces, but did not seem to affect the surface. Probably the colouring matter only was attacked. Contd. | ||