Reduction of Free Formaldehyde Content in Resol Using Urea as Scavenger

This study reports the results of a study aimed at reducing the free formaldehyde content of Phenolformaldehyde resin by using Urea as means for forming a reversible adduct with formaldehyde. The highly volatile formaldehyde has an unpleasant odour and irritates the eyes and nasal passages. The free formaldehyde content (FFC) of the modified resol resin was determined by titration method. With the incorporation of urea, the free formaldehyde content of the cured resin was almost reduced to zero while maintaining physical, mechanical and thermal properties. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to study the morphology changes.