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: This invention relates to naphthol aralkyl resins of the general formula (I) ##STR1## in which A is a naphthalene nucleus, R is hydrogen or methyl, and n is an integer from 0 to 15 and cured products thereof, which are highly heat- and moisture-resistant, possess excellent impact strength and other mechanical properties, and are useful for such applications as lamination, molding, casting, and adhesion.

Abstract: The reaction between epoxy compounds and active hydrogen-containing compounds or anhydrides is catalyzed with a phosphine or phosphonium compound containing at least three C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl phenyl groups attached to the phosphorus atom per molecule.

Abstract: One hundred percent thermosetting phenol/formaldehyde (P/F) resin and method of preparation thereof are disclosed. The resin comprises a molar ratio of F/P of about 1.2-1.7, has a softening point of about 80.degree. C. and cures at temperature of about 140.degree.-160.degree. C. The method comprises heating the reactants in a solvent-less system in the presence of an ortho directing catalyst while monitoring the amount of free formaldehyde present in the reaction system.

Abstract: Lignin, or a lignin derived material, which has been significantly demethylated (e.g., the demethylated lignin found in the raffinate produced as a by-product of dimethyl sulfide production which can be carried out using the spent liquor from wood pulping operations) can be isolated by a process wherein an organic solvent is added to a lignin-containing aqueous solution. The organic solvent is typically a polar, and at least a partially water-immiscible substance such as, for example, ethyl acetate. The resulting lignin-containing aqueous solution/organic solvent mixture is acidified to produce a water layer which is discarded and an organic solvent layer which contains the demethylated lignin. Upon its recovery, the demethylated lignin is dissolved in an alkaline solution to which an aldehyde source is added to produce a resol-type resin. The aldehyde source may be formaldehyde in solution, paraformaldehyde, hexamethylenetetramine, or other aldehydes including acetaldehyde, furfural, and their derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the direct electrolysis of tall oil soap (TOS) to produce crude tall oil (CTO). An aqueous tall oil soap solution generated in a kraft wood-pulping process is placed in contact with an anode in an electrolytic cell, wherein the tall oil soap is dissassociated to form crude tall oil and free sodium ions. The sodium ions migrate through a membrane to associate with hydroxide ions formed in a cathode chamber to form NaOH, which may optionally be recycled to the kraft pulping process as a make-up chemical for lost sodium. The crude tall oil is recovered from the electrolyzed tall oil soap solution for further refinement. Optionally, the tall oil soap solution is treated prior to electrolysis to remove components which may interfere with the electrolysis.

Abstract: The catalytic combination of a phosphite ester and a phenol sulfide is disclosed. The catalyst combination accelerates and mediates the esterification reaction of rosin with a polyhydric alcohol, resulting in esterified rosins having numerous advantageous characteristics and particular utility as tackifiers in hot melt adhesives.

Abstract: A phenolic novolak resin comprising a compound represented by the general formula [I]: ##STR1## wherein X is H or ##STR2## R is an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and n is 1 to 10, particularly a phenolic novolak epoxy resin, and material, and a cured substance therefrom, and a process for producing the resin are disclosed. This resin is excellent in heat resistance and in reluctance to absorb water as compared with conventional phenolic resins, and useful in sealing electronic parts, molding, and laminating.

Abstract: Process for producing dimer-free phenolic polymers, particularly novolak polymers produced from cresol mixtures, and photoresist compositions containing such dimer-free novolak polymers. The process comprises reacting phenolic polymers containing phenolic dimers with a capping agent, such as a silylating agent, to cap all of the phenolic hydroxy groups. This reduces the distillation temperature of the capped dimers and renders the capped polymer stable at such distillation temperature. The capped dimers are distilled off, and finally the phenolic polymer is uncapped. Dimer-free novolaks produce scum-free developed photoresist images.

Abstract: The color and color stability of tall oil fractions are improved and the odor and sulfur content are reduced by treating the heated black liquor soap skimmings prior to acidulation with 1.0 to 1.5 wt. % hydrogen peroxide for at least one minute.

Abstract: This invention relates to alternating and block copolymer resins and methods for preparing the same. The alternating copolymer resins are formed from the reaction of a preformed bishydroxymethyl phenol and a reactive phenolic compound. The alternating copolymer may then be further reacted with a second reactive compound in the presence of an aldehyde to form the substantially block copolymer. The alternating and block copolymer resins are characterized by enhanced ortho-, ortho-coupling and low molecular weight distribution.

Abstract: An epoxy resin composition comprises an vicinal polyepoxide and a Mannich condensation reaction product curing agent. The curing agent is the Mannich condensation reaction product of a phenol, formaldehyde and a polyoxyethylenediamine of the formula:NH.sub.2 (CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.x --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 NH.sub.2,and wherein: x ranges from 1 to 3. These epoxy resin compositions are useful in coatings, adhesives, encapsulations and composite matrices.

Abstract: Normally liquid polyfunctional final Mannich condensates that are useful as curing agents for epoxy resins are prepared by reacting a para C.sub.1 -C.sub.15 alkyl phenol with formaldehyde and a first polyoxyalkylene diamine to form an intermediate Mannich condensate that is reacted, in turn, with formaldehyde and a second polyoxyalkylene diamine to form the final Mannich condensate, the first polyoxyalkylene diamine having the formula: ##STR1## wherein: n represents a positive number having a value of 1 to about 6, andR' independently represents hydrogen or a methyl group, the second polyoxyalkylene diamine having the formula: ##STR2## wherein n and n' represent positive numbers having a value of 1 to about 6,R' independently represents hydrogen or a methyl group, andR"' represents an alkyl group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a cyanoethyl group.