Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of closed cell phenolic resin foams produced from compositions of phenol-aldehyde resole resins, and the foam products thus prepared. More particularly the present invention relates to the preparation of phenolic resin foams by a method employing a novel modified phenolic foam catalyst. The invention also relates to these modified phenolic foam catalysts which include an aromatic sulphonic acid and resorcinol.

Abstract: A system for handling a load of compressible items such as bags of glass fibre insulation includes a cart having a predetermined distance between its end walls but open on sides. A forklift truck is provided with upright side walls movable towards and away from each other, and with transverse telescoping members spanning the upper edges of the side walls, combined with fork elements in forming a generally rectangular load receiving compartment which corresponds to the generally rectangular load receiving compartment of the cart. When the load is lifted from the cart, the side walls can be actuated to contract the load by restricting the width of the load receiving compartment such as to allow the driving of the forklift truck into the cargo space of a tractor trailer or another suitable transport vehicle. The unloading from the forklift truck is effected by a pusher plate known per se.