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Condensation reactions of phenolic resins V: cure-acceleration effects of propylene carbonate
Journal of Wood Science volume 50, pages 236–241 (2004)
Abstract
Propylene carbonate (PC) is known as one of the cure accelerators for alkaline phenol–formaldehyde resins. To elucidate the cure-acceleration mechanisms, the effects of PC on the condensation reactions of monomeric hydroxymethylphenols (HMPs) were investigated and compared with those of PC hydrolysate, sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and ethyl formate. Immediately after the reaction started, PC, decomposing itself simultaneously, accelerated the formation of the ortho-para methylene-bonded dimer of 2,4,6-trihydroxymethylphenol. This effect of PC was very similar to that of ethyl formate. To the contrary, PC hydrolysate accelerated the formation of the para-para methylene-bonded dimer throughout the course of the reaction. This effect of PC hydrolysate was identical to that of NaHCO3. These results indicate that PC increases the reactivity of the ortho-hydroxymethyl group, presumably through transesterification. On the other hand, NaHCO3 is formed by the hydrolysis of PC or decomposition of the transesterified HMPs and it increases the reactivity of the para-hydroxymethyl group.
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Kamo, N., Okamura, H., Higuchi, M. et al. Condensation reactions of phenolic resins V: cure-acceleration effects of propylene carbonate. J Wood Sci 50, 236–241 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10086-003-0564-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10086-003-0564-4