These are aromatic compounds derived from benzene, and take the form of hard resins.

Phenols are not used on their owm (being brittle), but as modifiers to add to the properties of other oils and resins.

There are two forms of pure phenol:

Novolac   -     The light colour, soluble in oils, and may be cold blended.

Resole     -      Deeper colour, most reactive, and usually cooked in.

About 25% phenolic is used as a modifier. The three main types of coating it is used in are:

Tung Oil/Phenolic Varnishes - Used as coat varnishes and general decorative coatings, having good water resistance and fast drying.

Epoxy/Phenolic - For stoving finishes (30‘at 200°C with maximum resistance to chemicals, plus good adhesion, flexibility and abrasion resistance. Used as internal coatings for food containers, pipe linings, and washing machine finishes, etc.

Polyvinyl Butyral/Phenolic - For etch primers (reacted with Phosphoric Acid). Used on aluminum and sheet steel, with outstanding adhesion and corrosion resistance (imparted by the Barium and Chromate pigmentation).