Polymerization studies of creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) phenolic resin with formaldehyde

About 25% of the surface area of Mexico is covered by the shrub Larrea tridentata, also known as creosote bush. Therefore, an intense study of the shrub as a source of industrial raw materials was started. Presently, we have studied the polymerization of the phenolic resin of Larrea with formaldehyde. This polymerization has been carried out in bulk and in aqueous suspension with acid catalysts such as oxalic and hydrochloric acids. The molar ratio of Larrea resin/formaldehyde was 1/1, 1/3, and 1/4 at different reaction times. Larrea resin and the formaldehyde condensation products were characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and vapor pressure osmometry (VPO).