Preparation and characterization of some phenol-Egyptian cotton fire wood resins

Optimum conditions have been determined for the synthesis of linear, soluble and easily mouldable condensation products from Egyptian cotton-fire wood [ECFW] using phenol as the condensation agent. Thin layer chromatographic techniques was used for characterizing the products during the kinetic studies. The data obtained on TLC [Rf- values] confirm the results of viscosity and drop-falling temperature measurements. Infrared spectroscopic studies on the phenolic resins prepared by condensation of phenol with furfural, xylose, glucose, holocellulose, resistant cellulose, pure soda lignin and [ECFW] powder were carried out. The IR spectrum of soda lignin phenol resin proves the presence of aliphatic methyl, methylene, methine and strong bonded OH groups. Drastic changes in band position and intensity are observed in the IR spectra of pure soda lignin and the respective phenolic resins, indicating the degradation processes could take place during the condensation reactions