Preparation of Novolak Type Resin by Liquefaction of Palm Oil Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) Using Sulphuric Acid as a Catalyst

The liquefaction of palm oil empty fruit bunch (EFB) in phenol was carried out in the presence of sulphuric acid as a catalyst in the reflux-condenser system. The effects of the reaction temperature and sulphuric acid concentration on the liquefaction reaction, physical , and mechanical properties of phenolated EFB (PEFB) resin were studied. The reaction yield increased as the reaction temperature and catalyst concentration increased from 110°C to 150°C and 3% to 8%, respectively. However, no significant difference in results was observed between samples reacting at 130°C and 150°C using 5% and 8% catalyst. The thermal gravimetric analysis tests have indicated that the thermal stability of PEFB increases by increasing the catalyst concentration. However, the results do not show any important variation in the thermal stability by increasing the liquefaction temperature. From studies of differential scanning calorimetry it was found that the curing enthalpy of PEFB with hexamethylenetetramine increas es by increas ing the liquefaction temperature.