Abstract: Process for the preparation of a novolac alkylphenol resin using a defined mixture of mono- and dialkylphenols, an aldehyde, and an acid catalyst. The mixture of mono- and dialkylphenols comprises 20 to 70 mol % mono-alkylphenols having an alkyl group of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, and 30 to 80 mol % of dialkylphenols having alkyl groups of 1 to 18 carbon atoms. The molar ratio of aldehyde in comparison to the mono- and dialkylphenol mixture is greater than or equal to 1. Novolac alkylphenol resins prepared according to this invention contain, of each individual starting material phenolic monomer component, less than 0.5 mass %, and in the best case, less than 0.1 mass % in comparison to the total obtained alkylphenol resin.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a novolac resorcinol resin is disclosed which includes a defined mixture of resorcinol, phenol, cashew nut shell liquid, an aldehyde, and an acid catalyst. More specifically, the resorcinol resin produced in accordance with the instant process contains less than 0.5 weight percent of resorcinol, 1.0 weight percent of phenol and less than 1.0 weight percent of cashew nut shell liquid components. The molar ratio of aldehyde in comparison to the combined resorcinol/phenol mixture is less than 1. The novolac resorcinol resins prepared according to this invention exhibit improved reinforcing properties, tackifying properties and adhesion properties, among others, and therefore are suitable in a variety of rubber applications. In addition, the instant process provides less fuming of the resorcinol thus offering improved safety and environmental advantages over the conventional methods for preparing similar resorcinol resins.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a novolac alkylphenol resin using a defined mixture of mono- and dialkylphenols, an aldehyde, and an acid catalyst. The mixture of mono- and dialkylphenols comprises 20 to 70 mol % mono-alkylphenols having an alkyl group of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, and 30 to 80 mol % of dialkylphenols having alkyl groups of 1 to 18 carbon atoms. The molar ratio of aldehyde in comparison to the mono- and dialkylphenol mixture is greater than or equal to 1. Novolac alkylphenol resins prepared according to this invention contain, of each individual starting material phenolic monomer component, less than 0.5 mass %, and in the best case, less than 0.1 mass % in comparison to the total obtained alkylphenol resin.