Nonformaldehyde, nonfuming resorcinolic resins and methods of making and using the same

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is generally directed to a method for synthesizing a nonformaldehyde, non-fuming resorcinolic resin.
The methods generally comprise the steps of mixing a catalyst with melted resorcinol; adding dicyclopentadiene to the mixture; and then adding a second quantity of catalyst to the mixture followed by an olefinic compound.
The resin that results from this procedure is also within the scope of the present invention.
Such resins are characterized as having low free resorcinol levels.
When utilized in rubber compounding applications, the present resins impart improved physical, mechanical and adhesive properties to the rubber.
As used herein, "low free resorcinol" refers to resins that have a low level of unreacted resorcinol.
Preferably, the free resorcinol content of these resins is about 1 wt.
% or less unreacted resorcinol.
"Non-fuming" resins are therefore resins having a low free resorcinol content; because of the low levels of free resorcinol, the resins exhibit little or no fuming during processing of rubber compounds.
The term "non-fuming" is therefore intended to encompass any level of fuming that might result when using compounds having about 1 wt.
% or less of free resorcinol.
This feature is also referred to as "nonvolatile.
" The present methods generally involve melting resorcinol, which is effected at a temperature of between 125 and 135.
degree.
C.
Following melting of the resorcinol, a catalyst is added, with stirring; the mixture should be stirred for a sufficient time to allow thorough mixing of the catalyst and the resorcinol, typically at least about two minutes.
Dicyclopentadiene is then added to the resorcinol/catalyst mixture.
Preferably, the dicyclopentadiene is added over a period of between about 30 minutes and two hours, more preferably a period of between 60 and 90 minutes; the temperature during addition of dicyclopentadiene should be maintained between about 125 and 155.
degree.
C.
, more preferably between about 135 and 145