Phenol-formaldehyde Resin

Name:
Phenol-formaldehyde Resin
Detailed information:
The first synthetic thermosetting polymer; the reaction product of phenol with aqueous 37–50% formaldehyde at 50–100C, with basic catalyst, discovered by Baekeland in 1907 and trademarked “Bakelite” in 1911. Polymerization is of the condensation type, proceeding through three stages. With an acid catalyst novolak resins, which are thermoplastic, are produced.

Properties:

Gray to black, hard, infusible solid when cured, resistant to moisture, solvents, and heat up to 200C, dimensionally stable, good electrical resistance, sound and noise absorbent, decomposed by oxidizing acids, fair resistance to alkalies. Cannot be successfully colored. Noncombustible.

Use:

Molded and cast articles, bonding powders, ion exchange, laminating and impregnating, plywood and glass-fiber composites, ablative coatings for aerospace use, binder for oil-well sands, paint and baked enamel coatings, thermal and acoustic insulation, brake linings, clutch facings, shell molds, chemical equipment, machine and instrument housings, chemical-resistant mortars, machine parts, electrical devices.

See A-stage Resin; B-stage Resin; C-stage Resin; Novolak; Baekeland, L. H.; Phenolic Resin.