Abstract: A series of melamine-phenol-formaldehyde resoles for pressure-free to low pressure, low/medium temperture conversion into moulded product. The molar ratio of melamine:phenol is the range 1:4.7 to 1:0.29; for each mole of melamine there are 1.5 to 3 moles of formaldehyde; and for each mole of phenol there are 1.2 to 2 moles of formaldehyde. The resin compositions may contain fillers/reinforcing fibers, glycols and water curing is at or near neutal pH and may be accelerated by the use of boric oxide or acid and also by microwave heating. Moulded products have good heat-and fire-resistance, and good smoke emission properties, and are non-toxic.

Abstract: A moulding composition which forms stable, durable mouldings which are color stable, have good water resistance and can be glass clear and fire-resistant, comprises a melamine-formaldehyde resole of mole ratio melamine:formaldehyde in the range 1:1.1 to 1:5.0, and from 20 to 80% by weight, based on the resole, of a glycol or glycol derivative. The composition may also contain one or more of water, polyvinyl alcohol, aluminium hydroxide and reinforcing fillers. The melamine in the resole may be partially replaced with urea. Cure of the resin composition, after shaping, takes place at a pH of at least 6.0, and is accelerated by boron oxide and also by microwave heating. Foamed products are especially useful.