Alternative to phenol and formaldehyde for novel synthetic phenolic resins, state of the art

Since their appearance and commercialization, phenolic resins have been widely used and imposed in many sectors of activity. Produced from phenol and formaldehyde, these thermosetting materials are now being singled out because of the dangerousness of their precursors as well as the fossil raw material from which they emanate. In order to address and respond to the current general issue on the reduction of the impact of human activity on the environment, this review proposes to detail and criticize current studies on alternatives molecules to the use instead of phenol and formaldehyde in the synthesis of phenolic resin. After a contextualizing introduction and a quick reminder of what phenolic resins are and how these materials are obtained, two main parts will be devoted to the platform molecules likely to replace phenol, first, and formaldehyde, secondly. Finally, the author will give his opinion on the future potential of research concerning the substitution of these molecules and the future of phenolic resins.