Phenolic resins for mineral wool
Mineral wool is one of the best-known types of insulation material. It is widely used in all areas of industry, especially in the construction and transport industries for thermal, acoustic and fire protection.
Two types of insulating wool dominate the market, namely glass wool and stone wool.
The properties of glass wool and stone wool using phenolic resins as binders (mechanical strength, color, heat resistance, emissions, odor) depend on the composition of the binder, the production method and the processing parameters.
Phenolic resins as binders in mineral wool meet high quality and environmental requirements. Before use, the resin may be mixed with urea, ammonia, ammonium sulphate, silanes and powder-binding oils and diluted to dry matter contents of 2 % and 30 %. Free formaldehyde still present in the resin is chemically trapped. The rate of curing is controlled by ammonium sulphate.
Other additives, such as silanes, increase the adhesion of the binder to the fibers and make it possible to produce products with particularly good water repellency (facade insulation, etc.). Dust binders reduce dusting and improve the ‘grip’ of mineral wool. Depending on the application, the binder content of such insulation products is between 0,5 and 10 % phenolic resin by weight of fiber.
FENOLIT offers a range of different suitable binders under the BOROFEN® brand for mineral wool producers to suit their needs in terms of the type of fibers or fiber blends used, the coating and bonding effect of the binder, the binder content of the insulation material, the curing parameters, the process method and compression data used, and the emission and odor requirements.
