Abstract: A process is disclosed wherein ricinoleic acid from petroleum alternative vegetable castor oil that has a hydroxyl group at the 12-position or a derivative thereof (an ester or a hydrogenated compound thereof) is polymerized in the presence of a synthetic zeolite and an immobilized lipase at around normal temperature without using any harmful polymerization catalysts or organic solvents which can cause environmental pollution whereby a polyester useful in the industry that has a weight average molecular weight of 20,000 or more is obtained. This high-molecular weight polyester is crosslinked to give a crosslinked elastomer that is comparable to synthetic rubbers.

Abstract: Rosin modified phenolic resins are prepared by reacting together resin acid, fatty acid, tri- or higher-functional phenolic compound and aldehyde. The fatty acid may be Monomer (derived from the fatty acid dimerization process). The reaction mixture may optionally include a,l3-olefinically unsaturated carbonyl compounds and/or polyol. The resin may be dissolved in a solvent to form a varnish. The resin may be used as a component of printing inks, e.g., inks for lithographic or gravure printing.

Abstract: Rosin modified phenolic resins are prepared by reacting together rosin, fatty acid, phenol and aldehyde. The fatty acid may be Monomer (derived from the fatty acid dimerization process). The reaction mixture may optionally include ?,?-olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acid(s) or anhydride(s), and polyol(s). The resin may be dissolved in a solvent to form a varnish. The resin may be used as a component of inks for lithographic or gravure printing.

Abstract: The invention relates to novolac alkylphenol resins having a low level of free alkylphenol, a method for the production thereof, and the use thereof as tackifying resins and reinforcing resins for rubbers. The resins may be used advantageously in the production of tires.

Abstract: A crosslinking agent that is an ungelled reaction product of (a) at least one aminoplast resin and (b) at least one tall oil rosin wherein the crosslinking agent is essentially free of active hydrogen functional groups and has a glass transition temperature of at least 10° C. is disclosed. Methods for preparing crosslinking agents are also disclosed. Further provided is a curable powder coating composition including a polymer having a glass transition temperature of at least 30° C. containing reactive functional groups and the present crosslinking agent; a multilayer composite coating composition and substrates coated therewith are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rosin modified phenolic resin obtained by reacting a rosin, a phenol-formaldehyde initial condensate and a polyhydric alcohol, wherein the phenol-formaldehyde initial condensate is obtained by reacting phenols with formaldehyde in an ester of an animal and vegetable oil fatty acid and a monoalcohol and the proportion of the ester is from 5 to 200% by weight based on the total amount of the phenols and formaldehyde charged, a gel varnish and a printing ink, which contain the same, and a method for producing a rosin modified phenolic resin.

Abstract: Tall oil pitch may be reacted with a phenol-containing organic compound and formaldehyde or reactive equivalent thereof to prepare a resin. The reactants may further include polyhydric organic compound, &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated carboxyl compound or ester thereof, and hydroxyl-containing non-phenolic organic compound. The resin may be formulated with a colorant to provide an ink for lithographic, gravure or letterpress printing.

Abstract: A process for producing a modified phenolic resin, comprising heating a heavy oil or pitch of given average molecular weight and, per mol, calculated from the average molecular weight, of the heavy oil or pitch; 0.3 to 25 mol, in terms of formaldehyde, a formaldehyde compound and 0.5 to 50 mol of a phenol of the formula (I) (wherein R1 represents a linear or branched unsaturated hydrocarbon group having 1 to 2 unsaturated bonds and having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, p is 1 or 2, X represents an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and q is 0 or 1) under stirring in the presence of an acid catalyst to thereby effect a polycondensation. The modified phenolic resin obtained by this process, as compared with the conventional modified phenolic resin produced from a heavy oil or pitch as a feedstock, has an extremely low softening point so as to be flowable at about room temperature and has also a low melt viscosity, thereby ensuring very excellent moldability.