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Phenolic resins, one of the oldest thermosetting resins available, are made from phenol or a phenolic compound, formaldehyde, a catalyst and additives. The resins are cured via condensation polymerization with the evolution of water. Two primary classes of phenolic resins are resoles and novolaks. Resoles are base-catalyzed thermosetting resins that are self-crosslinking. Novolaks are catalyzed with acids and and require a hexamine crosslinker to become thermosetting.
 Phenolics are used in a broad range of applications because they provide excellent moisture performance, chemical resistance, dimensional stability, high-temperature resistance, flame retardance, and electrical performance. In most applications, phenolics are used as a binder to hold reinforcing fillers or fibers together. Typical materials include plywood, oriented strand board, decorative laminates, grinding wheels, automotive filters, foundry cores, molding compounds, thermal insulation and fiber reinforced plastics (FRP).
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