POLY[(O-CRESYL GLYCIDYL ETHER)-CO-FORMALDEHYDE]

The epoxy novolac resins are used and cured in ways similar to the resins based on the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A. These resins differ from bisphenol A epoxy resins in that whereas a bisphenol A polymeric chain can contain a maximum of two epoxide group regardless of chain length, cresolic and phenolic novolacs can contain an epoxide group for each phenol or cresol molecule incorporated in the chain.
Because of their high functionality, epoxy novolac resins, when cured, produce tightly cross-linked systems with improved high-temperature performance, chemical resistance, and adhesion over the resins based on the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A. The thermal stability of epoxy novolac resins has made them useful for structural and electrical laminates and as coatings and castings for elevated temperature service. Owing to the chemical resistance of these resins, they are used for lining storage tanks, pumps, and other process equipment as well as for corrosion-resistant coatings.