Bakelite and Novolac- Phenol Formaldehyde Resins
What are Phenol formaldehyde resins? Phenol formaldehyde resins (PF) or Phenolic resins are the oldest synthetic polymers. These are obtained by condensation of phenol with formaldehyde in the presence of either an acid or a base catalyst. Phenol formaldehyde resin possesses excellent adhesive properties and is usually used as bonding glue. They can withstand very high temperatures and are resistant to non-oxidizing acids, salts, and many organic solvents. Examples of Phenol formaldehyde resins Following are the most common examples of Phenol formaldehyde resins: 1. Bakelite Bakelite is a thermosetting phenol-formaldehyde resin that was developed by Belgian-American chemist Leo Baekeland in 1907. Bakelite is a cross-linked condensation copolymer that is prepared by a condensation reaction of phenol with formaldehyde in the presence of either acid or base catalyst. Preparation of Bakelite The reaction begins with the formation of o- and p-hydroxymethyl phenol derivatives which f