Novel composition and process for producing solid resin therefrom

DETAILED DESCRIPTION We claim: 1.
A novel composition of matter capable of being cured to a solid resinous material obtained by reacting (1) a coal derivative comprising a mixture of monocyclic, polycyclic, multifunctional carboxylic acids resulting from the interaction of coal with nitric acid with (2) an oxirane defined by the following formula: ##STR2## wherein R.
sub.
1, R.
sub.
2, R.
sub.
3 and R.
sub.
4, the same or different, can be hydrogen or an alkyl group having from one to 10 carbon atoms, and then subjecting the resulting reaction product to treatment with hydrogen.
2.
The novel composition of claim 1 wherein R.
sub.
1, R.
sub.
2, R.
sub.
3 and R.
sub.
4, the same or different, can be hydrogen or an alkyl group having from one to three carbon atoms.
3.
The novel composition of claim 1 wherein said oxirane is ethylene oxide.
4.
The novel composition of claim 1 wherein said oxirane is propylene oxide.
5.
The novel composition of claim 1 wherein said coal derivative is obtained by subjecting coal to reaction with nitric acid in an aqueous medium, wherein the weight ratios of coal, nitric acid and water are in a weight ratio of about 1:10:1 to about 1:0.
1:10 at a temperature of about 15.
degree.
to about 200.
degree.
C.
and a pressure of about atmospheric to about 1000 pounds per square inch gauge for about 0.
5 to about 15 hours.
6.
The novel composition of claim 1 wherein said coal derivative is obtained by subjecting coal to reaction with nitric acid in an aqueous medium, wherein the weight ratios of coal, nitric acid and water are in a weight ratio of about 1:5:1 to about 1:0.
5:5 at a temperature of about 50.
degree.
to about 100.
degree.
C.
and a pressure of about atmospheric to about 500 pounds per square inch gauge for about two to about six hours.
7.
The novel composition of claim 5 wherein the coal derivative, comprising a mixture of monocyclic, polycyclic, multifunctional carboxylic acids resulting from the interaction of coal with nitric acid, prior to reaction with said oxirane, is subjected to drying to remove water therefrom