Phenolic engineering properties

I ovolac Synthesis and Properties. Novolac resins used in DNQ-based photoresists are the most complex, the best-studied, the most highly engineered, and the most widely used polymers in microlithography. Novolacs are condensation products of phenoHc monomers (typically cresols or other alkylated phenols) and formaldehyde, formed under acid catalysis. Figure 13 shows the polymerization chemistry and polymer stmcture formed in the step growth polymerization (31) of novolac resins. 

Phenolics are consumed at roughly half the volume of PVC, and all other plastics are consumed in low volume quantities, mosdy in single apphcation niches, unlike workhorse resins such as PVC, phenoHc, urea—melamine, and polyurethane. More expensive engineering resins have a very limited role in the building materials sector except where specific value-added properties for a premium are justified. Except for the potential role of recycled engineering plastics in certain appHcations, the competitive nature of this market and the emphasis placed on end use economics indicates that commodity plastics will continue to dominate in consumption. The apphcation content of each resin type is noted in Table 2. Comparative prices can be seen in Table 5. The most dynamic growth among important sector resins has been seen with phenoHc, acryUc, polyurethane, LLDPE/LDPE, PVC, and polystyrene. 

With a somewhat lower level of heat resistance but with many properties that make them of interest as engineering materials alongside the polycarbonates, polysulphones, poly(phenylene sulphides) and polyketones are the so-called polyarylates which are defined as polyester from bis-phenols and dicarboxylic acids. 

Mechanical Properties and Fracture Behavior. Until recently, little was known about the sequence of fracture behavior that occurs in the 2D composites that are used to fabricate large C-C structures, such as the exit cones of rocket engines. In such composites, the yarns in the cloth are held together by a carbon matrix derived from a phenolic resin filled with carbon particles. 

Alkalinity additives. Those that neutralize combustion acid residue from fuels are made primarily for diesel engines. The main compounds of this class of additives are phenols and salicylates (which are natural alkaline), and sulfonates. In the case of sulfonates, their neutralizing property can be reinforced by adding basic salts such as carbonates or hydroxides. 

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