Advances in Phenolic Resin as a Curing Agent for Epoxy Resin, Part I

―The Diversity Coming into View through Phenolic Substances in CAS Registry―

Abstract

Phenolic resins are recognized as the most important curing agent for epoxy resin applied to the electric and electronic fields. Up to the present time, various types of phenolic resins have been developed in Japan and overseas. This article reviews the advances in the addition-cure type phenolic resin for epoxy resin especially by focusing on the CAS registration number which identifies the chemical structure of phenolic resin. Taking the whole configuration of the review into account, the phenolic resins are classified into several types for convenience. The following types of compounds are taken up in this article; phenol novolac, phenol (or biphenyl) aralkyl, fused polycyclic aromatic, N-containing, and P-containing types. The CAS registration number and the chemical structure are clarified for individual phenolic resins including commercially available ones. The results are listed in tabular form for better understanding of the overall picture. The advantages and disadvantages are commented on these phenolic resins as epoxy resin curing agents.