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

The kinetics of polymerization of phenol and formaldehyde are modelled to a ccount for the formation of resol resin with various initial formaldehyde/p henol molar ratios. The conversion of phenol and formaldehyde is used to de termine the equilibrium constants for phenolate ion and methylene glycol. T he relative concentration of each compound is obtained as a function of tim e. The molecular weight is also determined for each resol resin at the end of the reaction. The evaluation of substituted phenols, hydroxymethylol phe nols and methylene bridges was carried out by infrared spectroscopy. The ex perimental tendencies are in agreement with the results of the model. (C) 2 001 Society of Chemical Industry.