Abstract: Aromatic onium salts, such as diaryliodonium salts, have been found to be effective thermal initiators for the polymerization of a variety of cationically polymerizable materials including epoxides, cyclic ethers, phenol formaldehyde resins, etc., when used in combination with various cocatalysts such as organic acids and copper salts.

Abstract: A flame-retardant phenolic resin which comprises the product obtained on(a) reacting at least one halogenated compound represented by the general formula (I) ##STR1## wherein A is --CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 or --O--CH.sub.2 --CH.dbd.CH.sub.2, X is a chlorine atom or a bromine atom, and n is an integer of 1, 2 or 3, with at least one phenol in the presence of an acidic catalyst; and(b) reacting the resulting reaction product with at least one phosphoric acid ester compound containing a phenolic OH group represented by the general formula (II), (III) or (IV). ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 each represents an unsubstituted or substituted hydrocarbyl group, where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 may be the same or different, and n is 1, 2 or 3, and at least one aldehyde or a precursor thereof in the presence of an acidic or alkali catalyst; and a process for producing the flame-retardant phenolic resin.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing molded articles of liquid phenol resins or resols, obtained by simultaneously projecting onto a mold surface at least one resin of the aforesaid type, glass reinforcing elements and at least one acid catalyst, as main component elements, this method being characterized in that at least one anhydrous and hydrophilous inorganic compound is projected simultaneously with said main component elements in an amount corresponding to 8% to 12% of the weight of liquid phenol resin.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved process for preparing high ortho novolac resins, said process including reacting phenol and formaldehyde in the presence of a divalent electropositive metal oxide, hydroxide or organic salt wherein the improvement comprises conducting said reaction with said catalysts in combination with a divalent electropositive metal salt selected from the group consisting of sulfonates and fluoroborates or acids selected from the group consisting of sulfonic and fluoroboric or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Process for hardening liquid resols comprising using for the hardening, strong acids which if they are solid at room temperature are used in the form of their mixtures with inert finely divided solid diluents or if they are liquid or gaseous at room temperature adsorbed onto an adsorbing agent.