phenol-formaldehyde resin

polymer

Phenol-formaldehyde resin is a synthetic thermoset polymer created through condensation polymerization of phenol and formaldehyde, representing one of the earliest commercially successful plastics developed in the early 20th century. It is widely used in electrical insulation, adhesives for plywood and particle board, brake friction materials, and molded components requiring rigidity and heat resistance. Engineers select phenol-formaldehyde resin for applications demanding dimensional stability at elevated temperatures, excellent electrical insulating properties, and cost-effectiveness, though it has been partially displaced in some applications by epoxies and other advanced thermosets offering greater flexibility and lower volatility during processing.

electrical insulators and switchgearwood adhesives and compositesbrake pads and friction materialsmolded automotive componentslaminate layers and printed circuit boardsthermal management applications

Compliance & Regulations

?UL 94?Conflict Free?RoHS?REACH?TSCA?Prop 65
Units:
siimperial
PropertyValueUnitConditionsSource
Glass Transition Temperature(Tg)
—
K——
Verified Unverified Low confidence (<80%) Link to source

Regulatory Screening

Environmental

Safety & Biocompatibility

RoHS, REACH, and Prop 65 statuses are validated against official substance lists (ECHA SVHC Candidate List, OEHHA Prop 65, RoHS Annex II). Other regulations are estimated from composition and material classification. All screening is a starting point for due diligence — always verify with your supplier before making compliance decisions.