Modelling of resol resin polymerization with various formaldehyde/phenol molar ratios

The kinetics of polymerization of phenol and formaldehyde are modelled to account for the formation of resol resin with various initial formaldehyde/phenol molar ratios. The conversion of phenol and formaldehyde is used to determine the equilibrium constants for phenolate ion and methylene glycol. The relative concentration of each compound is obtained as a function of time. The molecular weight is also determined for each resol resin at the end of the reaction. The evaluation of substituted phenols, hydroxymethylol phenols and methylene bridges was carried out by infrared spectroscopy. The experimental tendencies are in agreement with the results of the model. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry