Abstract: A curable, alkaline, melamine modified phenol-formaldehyde resin is prepared from an initial phenol-formaldehyde resole resin containing from 0.5 to 2.5 percent of free formaldehyde by scavenging formaldehyde with 1 to 12 parts of melamine for each 100 parts of the initial resin wherein the molar ratio of formaldehyde to melamine is 0.2 to 1.5 moles of formaldehyde for each mole of melamine to reduce the free formaldehyde to less than 70% of that in the initial resin and prepare a storage stable resin which contains less than 0.7% of free formaldehyde and which maintains its stability under application conditions. An ammonium salt of strong acid and additional water is incorporated in the melamine modified resin to prepare an alkaline binder. The binder is sprayed on to fiberglass with low formaldehyde emissions, good stability and rapid cure in the acid range.

Abstract: An ink composition suitable for ink jet printing operations comprising an aqueous resin dispersion and an aqueous colorant where said ink composition is substantially free of volatile organic compounds. Compositions are provided that form printed images that, without curing, are solvent-washable with isopropanol, ethanol, water, and mixtures thereof, and are retortable, without curing. Ink jet compositions capable of forming colored images capable of being washed with isopropanol, ethanol, water, and mixtures thereof, after curing, are also provided. Finally, ink jet inks capable of withstanding washing with strong organic solvents, such as methylethylketone and methanol, after curing, are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stabilized phenolic resin melamine dispersion comprising a liquid alkaline resole resin composition and solid melamine crystal dispersed throughout the resin composition. The liquid alkaline resole resin composition comprises the reaction product of combining formaldehyde and phenol at a formaldehyde to phenol mole ratio of about 0.5:1 to about 3.5:1 in the presence of a basic catalyst. The melamine crystal to phenol mole ratio ranges from about 0.01:1 to about 1:1. Moreover, the composition has a free formaldehyde content of at most about 0.5 weight percent. A method for making this dispersion is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrodepositable coating composition is provided comprising (a) an active hydrogen-containing, cationic salt group-containing resin electrodepositable on a cathode; (b) a curing agent for transurethanation, transamidation or transesterification curing like at least a partially capped polyisocyanate curing agent; and (c) a catalytic mixture of bismuth and an amino acid or amino acid precursor. Optionally, an auxiliary acid may be present to increase the effectiveness of the amino acid in the mixture with bismuth.

Abstract: Organic aerogel microspheres which can be used in capacitors, batteries, thermal insulation, adsorption/filtration media, and chromatographic packings, having diameters ranging from about 1 micron to about 3 mm. The microspheres can be pyrolyzed to form carbon aerogel microspheres. This method involves stirring the aqueous organic phase in mineral oil at elevated temperature until the dispersed organic phase polymerizes and forms nonsticky gel spheres. The size of the microspheres depends on the collision rate of the liquid droplets and the reaction rate of the monomers from which the aqueous solution is formed. The collision rate is governed by the volume ratio of the aqueous solution to the mineral oil and the shear rate, while the reaction rate is governed by the chemical formulation and the curing temperature.

Abstract: Processes for the preparation of polyphenol polymers useful as surface coatings wherein the process is carried out in the absence of organic solvents, and the polyphenol polymers are the reaction products of a phenolic polymer or copolymer, an amine, and an aldehyde, ketone, or mixture thereof; and the aqueous solutions resulting therefrom.

Abstract: A low molecular weight lignin fraction having a pre-selected molecular weight range prepared from lignin solution by ultrafiltration. The invention also relates to phenol-formaldehyde resin modified by the lignin fraction, adhesive comprising the modified resin, and a method for producing the lignin fraction and the resin.

Abstract: An adhesive composition based on resorcinol novolac or resorcinol-phenolic novolac consisting essentially of 35-75% by weight of novolac, less than 25% by weight of water, and 10-40% by weight of an aliphatic divalent, trivalent or tetravalent alcohol. The adhesive composition may also contain up to 20% by weight of filler, based on the amount of novolac, water and alcohol. In a method for preparing the adhesive composition based on resorcinol novolac or resorcinol-phenolic novolac, the novolac is produced by conventional condensation, whereupon an aliphatic divalent, trivalent or tetravalent alcohol is added and water in the novolac is distilled off, resulting in an adhesive composition as defined above. Alternatively, the amount of water can be reduced in the condensation of the novolac to be replaced with an aliphatic divalent, trivalant or tetravalent alcohol.

Abstract: A waterborne coating composition for metal substrates comprising (a) a formaldehyde-containing resin, and (b) a formaldehyde scavenger consisting essentially of an organic compound having at least one active methylene hydrogen and a pKa of about 5 to about 13, wherein the formaldehyde scavenger is present in a sufficient amount to maintain the concentration of free formaldehyde in the composition at less than 0.1% by weight.

Abstract: A guanidine-modified phenol-formaldehyde resole resin by reacting formaldehyde and phenol at a formaldehyde to phenol mole ratio above about 1.5:1 in the presence of an effective amount of an alkaline catalyst and in the presence of a catalytic amount of a guanidine salt. The resin is suitable for use in adhesives for high moisture content substrates.

Abstract: A thermosetting resin composition which can be used to produce pultruded products with a lustrous surface finish comprises about 60% to about 95% by weight of an uncured, liquid phenolic resin containing about 70-90% solids by weight and about 5 to about 40% of particles of a molding composition comprising an uncured, solid phenolic resin and a suitable filler.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glass fiber binding composition having an effective binding amount of an aqueous compatible furan resin mixed with sufficient water to result in a binding composition having from 0.5 to 80% nonvolatile. The aqueous compatible furan resin is the reaction product of a source of ammonia and a first reaction product, the first reaction product being derived from the reaction of an acidic furan resin, a source of reactable formaldehyde, and a formaldehyde scavenger. The invention further pertains to a process of binding glass fibers at junctions of the fibers comprising the steps of providing glass fibers, applying an effect binding amount of the binding composition of the invention to the glass fibers such that the binder is present at a portion of the junctions, and curing the resin at the junctions of the glass fibers.

Abstract: An aqueous dispersion of small particles of a phenol/formaldehyde novolac resin, referred to as a dispersed novolac resin, useful for example as a binder in preparing glass fiber insulation. The dispersed novolac resin is produced by preparing a molten novolac resin, cooling, adding water and optionally a surfactant and then adding a protective colloid. Additional water is added to provide the desired dispersion.

Abstract: Fabrication of conductive solid porous carbon electrodes for use in batteries, double layer capacitors, fuel cells, capacitive dionization, and waste treatment. Electrodes fabricated from low surface area (<50 m.sup.2 /gm) graphite and cokes exhibit excellent reversible lithium intercalation characteristics, making them ideal for use as anodes in high voltage lithium insertion (lithium-ion) batteries. Electrodes having a higher surface area, fabricated from powdered carbon blacks, such as carbon aerogel powder, carbon aerogel microspheres, activated carbons, etc. yield high conductivity carbon compositives with excellent double layer capacity, and can be used in double layer capacitors, or for capacitive deionization and/or waste treatment of liquid streams. By adding metallic catalysts to be high surface area carbons, fuel cell electrodes can be produced.

Abstract: This invention relates to a heat cured foundry binder system comprising as separate components (A) a furan resin, and (B) an effective amount of a curing catalyst composition comprising water, a copper aryl sulfonate, a aryl sulfonic acid, preferably polyvinyl alcohol, and a copper halide.

Abstract: Described is an aqueous sprayable glass fiber binding composition comprising: a) an aqueous compatible formaldehyde thermosetting coating composition; and b) a compatible aqueous latex elastomeric composition. Also described are binder compositions that decrease fallout of glass fiber and binder from the coated glass fiber. Also disclosed is a glass fiber binder composition having low odor content.

Abstract: A foundry mold is produced from sand by blending, with one another, sand, a binder comprising a ester cured-phenolic resin, a curing agent comprising an organic ester compound and one or more additives containing therein a metal of the groups IB to VIII, and molding and curing the mixture into a foundry mold. The mixture is useful in a self-curing molding method and a vapour curing molding method, and the resulting mold is thereby provided with an unexpected improved mechanical strength. In particular the invention is advantageously effective with used or reclaimed refractory sand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glass fiber binding composition comprising an effective binding amount of an aqueous soluble furan resin, 15 to 99 percent by weight water, and an effective amount of a catalyst for curing the furan resin. The invention further pertains to a process of binding glass fibers at junctions of the fibers comprising the steps of providing newly formed glass fibers, applying an effect binding amount of an aqueous soluble furan resin to the junctions of the glass fibers, and curing the resin at the junctions of the glass fibers. Finally, the invention also discloses a glass fiber composition comprising a plurality of glass fibers having a plurality of junctions where two or more fibers meet, and an effective binding amount of an aqueous soluble furan resin comprising 15 to 99% water applied to the junctions of the glass fibers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a stable phenolic dispersion of hydrophilic phenolic resin polymer using polyvinyl alcohol as protective colloid. Incorporation of a small proportion of an etherified bisphenol-A resin into an aqueous solution of a phenolic resin and a protective colloid (e.g., polyvinyl alcohol) forms a stable dispersion with low volatile organics content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glass fiber binding composition having an effective binding amount of an aqueous compatible furan resin mixed with sufficient water to result in a binding composition having from 0.5 to 80% nonvolatile. The aqueous compatible furan resin is the reaction product of a source of ammonia and a first reaction product, the first reaction product being derived from the reaction of an acidic furan resin, a source of reactable formaldehyde, and a formaldehyde scavenger. The invention further pertains to a process of binding glass fibers at junctions of the fibers comprising the steps of providing glass fibers, applying an effect binding amount of the binding composition of the invention to the glass fibers such that the binder is present at a portion of the junctions, and curing the resin at the junctions of the glass fibers.

Abstract: Organic aerogel microspheres which can be used in capacitors, batteries, thermal insulation, adsorption/filtration media, and chromatographic packings, having diameters ranging from about 1 micron to about 3 mm. The microspheres can be pyrolyzed to form carbon aerogel microspheres. This method involves stirring the aqueous organic phase in mineral oil at elevated temperature until the dispersed organic phase polymerizes and forms nonsticky gel spheres. The size of the microspheres depends on the collision rate of the liquid droplets and the reaction rate of the monomers from which the aqueous solution is formed. The collision rate is governed by the volume ratio of the aqueous solution to the mineral oil and the shear rate, while the reaction rate is governed by the chemical formulation and the curing temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a resorcinol-glutaraldehyde reaction product as an accelerator for thermosetting phenolic resin and to a method of making the accelerator. Further, the invention relates to a resin blend comprising phenol-formaldehyde and the accelerator and a process for making cellulosic board, oriented strandboard and plywood wherein the binder for the cellulosic board, oriented strandboard and plywood in its uncured form comprises the resin blend of the invention. In another embodiment the accelerator for thermosetting resin comprises resorcinol and glutaraldehyde.

Abstract: It is the object of the present invention to provide a hydrophilic surface treating aqueous solution, hydrophilic surface treating method, and hydrophilic surface treating film with lasting hydrophilicity and ensuring a film having a good processability. The hydrophilic treating aqueous solution contains as main components a hydrophilic polymer having a specific molecular weight and containing a polyoxyalkylene chain of 10 wt % or more in terms of solid content, and a specific aqueous resin. This enables the formation of film with good processability and good hydrophilicity and persistency of hydrophilicity on the surface of aluminum or aluminum alloy for use in aluminum fins of a heat exchanger, as well as suppressing the generation of unpleasant odor.

Abstract: A phenolic binder for glass fibers is prepared using an aqueous mixture including a phenol-formaldehyde resole resin, modified with urea in the presence of ammonia. The urea and ammonia are added after the basic mixture including the resole resin has been neutralized. The urea-modified resole resin shows greater stability than urea-modified resins prepared without ammonia.

Abstract: Wood and other cellulose-based products are preserved with a water-based treating solution containing a phenolic resin prepolymer such as phenol formaldehyde resin prepolymer, a resorcinol formaldehyde resin prepolymer and water. The treatment is carried out by exposing the wood or other cellulose-based product, while submerged in the treating solution, to one or more cycles of reduced pressure (i.e. vacuum) and elevated pressure.

Abstract: An aqueous phenol-formaldehyde resin solution with formaldehyde-phenol mol ratio in the range of 1.8 to 2.8, polymerization catalyst of 3% to 9% by weight, measured as NaOH equivalent, with less than 1% by weight potassium hydroxide, and about 0.1% to about 0.75% by weight potassium carbonate added after the catalytically-activated polymerization reaction has subsided while the resin is both soluble and fusible ("A" resol stage). Adhesive binders exhibit tolerance for variables in veneer moisture content from 0% to around 25% and in production timing from delivery of the veneer for assembly to curing of around 10 minutes to about 2 hours without significant degradation of bonding quality.

Abstract: A gellable composition for oil field operations and a process for accelerating the gelation of the gellable composition for shut-in well are disclosed. The composition comprises: (1) an ammonium ion donor; (2) a water soluble acrylamide-containing polymer; (3) a first crosslinking component selected from the group consisting of aldehydes and aldehyde-generating compounds; (4) a second crosslinking component selected from the group consisting of an aromatic compound and an alcohol where the aromatic compound is selected from the group consisting of phenols and acids; and (4) water.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a resorcinol-glutaraldehyde reaction product as an accelerator for thermosetting phenolic resin and to a method of making the accelerator. Further, the invention relates to a resin blend comprising phenol-formaldehyde and the accelerator and a process for making cellulosic board, oriented strandboard and plywood wherein the binder for the cellulosic board, oriented strandboard and plywood in its uncured form comprises the resin blend of the invention. In another embodiment the accelerator for thermosetting resin comprises resorcinol and glutaraldehyde.

Abstract: A dispersion for producing an adhesive, waterproof and hydrolysis-resistant bonding layer for bonding metal, ceramics, glass and for polymer-plastic bonds, including a phenol resin-methacrylate dispersion containing phenol with free methylol groups, one or more mono- or multifunctional methacrylate compounds, dispersed acrylate, water and acetone.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to foundry mixes comprised of (a) an aqueous basic solution of a phenolic resole resin; (b) a major amount of reclaimed sand which has first been treated with an aqueous non halogenated surfactant solution, and (c) a liquid ester co-reactant.The invention also relates to foundry shapes made with the subject foundry mixes which have improved tensile strengths and scratch hardness when compared to foundry shapes which are prepared from foundry binder systems which do not utilize foundry aggregates which have been mixed with an aqueous surfactant solution.

Abstract: A fibrous resinated panel is provided which when used in a closed environment releases relatively minor amounts of trimethylamines, aldehydes and phenolic compounds into the closed environment. The panel is formed by compressing a fibrous mat impregnated with a thermosetting resin system in a mold cavity defined between an upper and a lower inner mold surface at a temperature between 400.degree. to 600.degree. for 45 to 90 seconds whereby the thermosetting resin is substantially cured and the mat is shaped to conform to a desired contour prior to removing the mat from the mold cavity. The thermosetting resin system used to impregnate the mat includes an essentially aqueous A-stage form resole-melamine composition containing residues of free melamine(s) to free aldehyde(s) to free phenolic compound(s) in a molar equivalent ratio ranging from about 0.2:1.5:1 to about 0.8:3.5:1.

Abstract: A process for producing a condensed resin dispersion, which comprises subjecting an aldehyde and a compound condensable with the aldehyde, or their precondensate, to a condensation reaction in a dispersion medium consisting essentially of water and/or an organic solvent, to precipitate fine condensed resin particles which hardly settle in said dispersion medium, and then replacing the water and/or the organic solvent by an active hydrogen-containing compound having at least two active hydrogen-containing groups reactive with isocyanate groups.

Abstract: An aqueous phenol-formaldehyde resin solution with formaldehyde-phenol mol ratio in the range of 1.8 to 2.8, polymerization catalyst of 3% to 9% by weight, measured as NaOH equivalent, with less than 1% by weight potassium hydroxide, and about 0.1% to about 0.75% by weight potassium carbonate added after the catalytically-activated polymerization reaction has subsided while the resin is both soluble and fusible ("A" resol stage). Adhesive binders exhibit tolerance for variables in veneer moisture content from 0% to around 25% and in production timing from delivery of the veneer for assembly to curing of around 10 minutes to about 2 hours without significant degradation of bonding quality.

Abstract: The invention concerns a phenolic resin.The resin is a liquid, contains phenol-formaldehyde, formaldehyde-urea and phenol-formaldehyde-amine condensates, and has a free formaldehyde content of less than 3%, this proportion being expressed as a percentage of the total fluid weight, and a dilutability rate in water which equals or surpasses 1,000%. Furthermore, the resin is stable when heated. Application to less-polluting sizing compositions for mineral fibers; and use of the fibers thus sized for the manufacture of insulating products and soilless cultivation substrates.

Abstract: A phenolic binder for glass fibers is prepared using an aqueous mixture including a phenol-formaldehyde resole resin, modified with urea in the presence of ammonia. The urea and ammonia are added after the basic mixture including the resole resin has been neutralized. The urea-modified resole resin shows greater stability than urea-modified resins prepared without ammonia.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition consisting of a melamine solid suspended or dispersed in a resole resin. The method of the invention favors the intermolecular condensation polymerization reaction between phenol and melamine, rather than homopolymerization between phenol molecules or between melamine molecules. This invention reduces formaldehyde emissions by favoring a reaction whose by-product is water rather than formaldehyde. The compositions are useful for bonding glass fiber mats used for thermal and acoustical insulation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a phenolic resin.The resin is a liquid, contains phenol-formaldehyde, formaldehyde-urea and phenol-formaldehyde-amine condensates, and has a free formaldehyde content of less than 3%, this proportion being expressed as a percentage of the total fluid weight, and a dilutability rate in water which equals or surpasses 1,000%. Furthermore, the resin is stable when heated. Application to less-polluting sizing compositions for mineral fibers; and use of the fibers thus sized for the manufacture of insulating products and soilless cultivation substrates.

Abstract: A binder composition for producing articles of bonded particulate material such as foundry molds or cores comprises an alkaline aqueous solution of a resol phenol-aldehyde resin, an oxyanion which can form a stable complex with the resin, and a phenyl ethylene glycol ether. The binder composition has an alkali to phenol molar ratio of from 1.5:1 to 2.5:1 and the amount of alkali present in the solution is sufficient to substantially prevent stable complex formation between the resin and the oxyanion. Bonded articles are produced by passing carbon dioxide gas through articles formed from a mixture of particulate material and the binder composition so as to produce stable complex formation and curing of the resin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a binder solution having a low solids level which provides improved tensile properties when used with reclaimed sand. This binder solution comprises an alkaline phenolic resin which is cured at ambient temperature with an ester-functional curing agent. Also provided by this invention are raw batch formulations comprising sand, a binder solution having a low solids level, and a curing agent. These raw batch formulations include embodiments wherein the low solids levels are obtained by the separate addition of a solvent. The methods for producing foundry molds and cores of this invention included those procedures wherein dilution water is used to reduce the solids contents of conventional, relatively high solids content binder solutions.

Abstract: The hardening of a composition containing a phenolic resin solution and a magnesia aggregate is effected by mixing into such composition at a pH of at least 4.5: a compound which provides an acetate, adipate, 4-aminobenzeneslfonate, 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylate, formate, glycolate, lactate, nitrate, benzenesulfonate, naphthalenesulfonate, methanesulfonate, phenolsulfonate, succinate, sulfamate, or toluenesulfonate anion to the composition; or an acetylacetone, 2-nitrophenol, 4-nitrophenol, salicylaldehyde compound; or a mixture of said compounds.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods and compositions for accelerating the hardening of phenolic resole resins having a pH of about 4.5 to 9.5 with lightburned magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide, with or without the addition of an ester functional hardening agent. Acceleration of hardening is achieved by incorporating into said compositions an effective quantity of a material which: increases the solubility of magnesium in the hardenable mixture; by certain amines; or by certain chelating agents. Accelerator compounds include those which provide chloride, sulfamate, nitrate, formate, and phosphite anions as well as selected tertiary amines.

Abstract: There is disclosed methods and compositions for retarding the room temperature hardening of phenolic resole resins when such resins are mixed with lightburned magnesium oxide with or without an ester functional hardening agent. Compounds which act as retarders include azelaic acid, salicylamide, sulfanilic acid, glyoxal, salicylic acid, N-methylaniline, and 2,6-diethylaniline.

Abstract: A binder composition for producing articles of bonded particulate material such as foundry moulds or cores comprises an alkaline aqueous solution of a resol phenol-aldehyde resin, an oxyanion which can form a stable complex with the resin, and pyrrolidone or an N-substituted pyrrolidone, and the amount of alkali present in the solution is sufficient to substantially prevent stable complex formation between the resin and the oxyanion. Bonded articles are produced by passing carbon dioxide gas through articles formed from a mixture of particulate material and the binder composition so as to produce stable complex formation and curing of the resin.

Abstract: Products of the condensation of phenolmonosulfonic acids, dihydroxydiphenyl sulfones, urea and formaldehyde can be obtained by(A) preparing a homogeneous reaction mixture in sulfuric acid from the phenolmonosulfonic acid and dihydroxydiphenyl sulfone in the molar ratio of from 3:1 to 10:1, with the proviso that the water content of the mixture is not more than 10% of the total weight of the components, and the mixture contains from 0.3 to 1.5 moles of sulfuric acid per mole of dihydroxydiphenyl sulfone, at from 100.degree. to 180.degree. C.,(B) subsequently, at from 40.degree. to 90.degree. C., carrying out a precondensation with 1 to 2 moles of formaldehyde and 0.5 to 1.5 moles of urea per mole of phenol units present in aqueous medium,(C) partially neutralizing the reaction mixture,(D) adding to the partially neutralized reaction mixture 0 to 0.5 mole of phenol per mole of phenol units present and then 0.1 to 0.8 mole of formaldehyde per mole of phenol units then present,(E) further condensing at from 40.

Abstract: The present invention provides a binder solution having a low solids level which provides improved tensile properties when used with reclaimed sand. This binder solution comprises an alkaline phenolic resin which is cured at ambient temperature with an ester-functional curing agent. Also provided by this invention are raw batch formulations comprising sand, a binder solution having a low solids level, and a curing agent. These raw batch formulations include embodiments wherein the low solids levels are obtained by the separate addition of a solvent. The methods for producing foundry molds and cores of this invention included those procedures wherein dilution water is used to reduce the solids contents of conventional, relatively high solids content binder solutions.

Abstract: Polyacetal compositions containing 0.05 to 5 weight percent of an oxo-piperazinyl-triazine hindered amine light stabilizer wherein the hindered N.sup.4 atom in the piperazinone ring of the stabilizer is alkylated with a metyl, ethyl, or propyl group, said compositions being relatively stable upon exposure to UV light. A polyacetal composition containing a specific oxo-piperazinyl-triazine hindered amine light stabilizer wherein the hindered N.sup.4 atom is not alkylated is shown to be relatively stable upon exposure to UV light. Both compositions possess stability during melt processing and do not significantly lose physical properties upon exposure to heat and light.

Abstract: A phenolic resin composition comprises an ester-curable phenol-aldehyde resin in alkaline aqueous solution wherein the phenol-aldehyde resin is a methylolated phenolic novolak resin. Preferably, during manufacture of the methylolated phenolic novolak resin, unreacted phenol is removed. The composition may be employed, for reaction with an organic ester hardener, as a binder in the production of foundry moulds and cores having high strength. The further incorporation of an aryloxy alcohol in the novolak resin binder additionally improves the final strength of products obtained by a gas curing technique using ester vapor, such as that of methyl formate.

Abstract: A process for producing a condensed resin dispersion, which comprises subjecting an aldehyde and a compound condensable with the aldehyde, or their precondensate, to a condensation reaction in a dispersion medium consisting essentially of water and/or an organic solvent, to precipitate fine condensed resin particles which hardly settle in said dispersion medium, and then replacing the water and/or the organic solvent by an active hydrogen-containing compound having at least two active hydrogen-containing groups reactive with isocyanate groups.

Abstract: Modified benzylic ether resole resins and process for their preparation. The resins are prepared by treating a phenol with a molar excess of aldehyde in the presence of a divalent metal ion catalyst at a pH below 7 followed by further reaction at a pH above 8 in the presence of an alkaline catalyst. Alkaline solutions of the resins are used as foundry binders in an ester cure process.

Abstract: Modified benzylic ether resole resins and process for their preparation. The resins are prepared by treating a phenol with a molar excess of aldehyde in the presence of a divalent metal ion catalyst at a pH below 7 followed by further reaction at a pH above 8 in the presence of an alkaline catalyst. Alkaline solutions of the resins are used as foundry binders in an ester cure process.