What was formica originally
invented for?
Toothaches
Sunblock
Electrical insulation
55%
Correct
Locomotive roofing
Made popular in the 1950s as a household laminate, formica was originally invented in 1913 as a synthetic substitute for electrical insulation. Before electrical engineers Daniel J. O’Conor and Herbert A. Faber discovered that certain plastic resins could be used that way, the mineral mica had often been used in electrical applications.
The name “formica” is a literal combination of the words “for” and “mica,” the material literally being designed as a replacement for mica. As the Formica Insulation Company expanded, so did the use of this synthetic material. By 1930 Formica had become a popular laminate material known for its durability and color varieties.
Following the Second World War, Formica went on to become the household surface of choice, with popular designs of the era like Skylark by Brook Stevens and VirrVarr by Sweden’s Prince Sigaard Bernadotte covering many indoor counters, tables and bar tops.
Source: Formica.com | Date Updated: May 24, 2021