Phenolic resins are amongst the most versatile materials used in the rubber and adhesives sector, performing roles such as tackifiers, adhesion promoters, reinforcing agents and vulcanizing agents. This article explains how the characteristics of phenolic chemistry deliver such versatility and also describes why alternatives might be more limited in their scope and performance. Most notably, emphasis is placed on the importance of reliability of tyres in the automotive sector and the risks associated with arbitrary formulation changes.
European Phenolic Resins Association