Neutrals influence on the water resistance coefficient of phenol-formaldehyde resin modified by wood pyrolysis liquid products

Abstract

This article presents the results of the investigation of the properties of phenol-formaldehyde resin, obtained using the phenol-replacing fraction. A two-step method was developed for phenol-replacing fraction separation from liquid pyrolysis products with a yield up to 15%, and this fraction was used in the phenol-formaldehyde resin synthesis. Then, a work was conducted for the removal of neutrals from the modified phenol-formaldehyde resin with organic solvents, n-hexane and benzene. As a result, benzene was defined as a more efficient solvent because it removed more aromatics, like ethers and substituted phenols, that cannot react and worsen the glue line water resistance. Benzene dissolved 3.2% weight of the resin, and n-hexane dissolved 2.5% weight. The removal of neutrals increased the water resistance coefficient by more than 60%, so neutrals have a considerable effect on the resin properties. The results can be used for production of resin from renewable feedstock with the similar properties with the traditional resin.