Phenolic Resins, 2002 Decorative and Industrial Laminates Symposium

Phenolic resins have been produced commercially since 1907 and by Georgia- Pacific since 1959. They are prepared by the reaction of phenol or substituted phenol with an aldehyde, usually formaldehyde, in the presence of an acid or base catalyst.

Uncatalyzed phenol and formaldehyde mixtures are quite stable, even at their boil temperature, with almost no resin formation. The catalyst used and the ratio of formaldehyde to phenol determines the type of resin produced.

The versatility of phenolic resins in a broad spectrum of market areas requires the production of phenolic resins in a variety of physical states such as powder or flaked solid resins, solvent- based, or water-based solution resins. The various products are produced by adjusting the reaction conditions: