Abstract: A modified phenolic novolak resin is prepared by reacting a phenolic compound (e.g., resorcinol) with an aliphatic polyol. The reaction mixture further reacts with a formaldehyde to produce a modified phenolic novolak resin. The reaction is typically carried out in the presence of an acid or a base catalyst. The resulting resin is characterized by a relatively low level of free resorcinol; and rubber compounds containing the resin exhibit low fuming, lower Mooney viscosity (which means better processing), better dynamic stiffness properties (G?), and/or good tear properties. Therefore, the resulting resin can be used as a methylene acceptor compound in a vulcanizable rubber composition.

Abstract: A silane-modified phenolic resin is prepared by reacting a phenolic compound (e.g., resorcinol) with an aldehyde to produce a phenolic novolak resin. The phenolic novolak resin is further reacted with at least one silane compound to produce the silane-modified phenolic resin. The reaction is typically carried out in the presence of an acid or base catalyst. The resulting resin has a lower softening point and can be used as a methylene acceptor compound in a vulcanizable rubber composition.