Phenolic resins—100 years of progress and their future

Abstract Phenolic resins have been under continuous development as an important thermosetting resin material since the first successful trial production of the synthetic resin in Japan in 1911. Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd. traces its origin to the birth of this material (i.e. the successful trial production) and has been developing synthetic and composite production technologies since that time for adaptation to various applications. Phenolic resin molding compounds, which have been among the major applications of phenolic resins since their inception, exhibit highly favorable characteristics in terms of strength, heat-resistance, long-term reliability and cost, and therefore have been used in a wide range of applications from kitchen parts to components for electronic appliances and automobiles. In particular, phenolic resin molding compounds are gathering attention as a lightweight solution to replace metals in automotive applications, among others applications, and we are investigating these applications while making a vigorous research effort toward further improving the mechanical properties of these materials. This new research and development is founded on detailed prediction and analysis of the hardened structures in phenolic resins. This report outlines the history of phenolic resins, which were invented in 1907 and brought to Japan, along with the associated technology, as a result of personal ties between Dr. Leo Hendrik Baekeland and Dr. Jokichi Takamine; the widening application of phenolic resins in recent years; showcase applications based on green sustainable chemistry; and examples of new analysis methods (chemical analysis) and structural analysis. We hope this report will encourage the research and development of plastics in the new century and the development of commercial products [1] .