Phenolic Foam from Liquefied Products of Walnut Shell in Phenol

The resol-type resin was prepared with a high yield from the liquefied products of walnut shell in phenol, which was reacted with formaldehyde under low alkaline conditions. The effects of reaction temperature and time on the yield and viscosity of the resol resin were investigated. Results showed that the optimum resol resinification conditions were a reaction temperature of 80°C and a reaction time of 2 h. The biomass-based resol resin from liquefied products of walnut shell was successfully applied to produce phenolic foam with diisopropyl ether as the blowing agent, Tween 80 as the surfactant and hydrochloric acid as the catalyst, respectively. The obtained foams showed satisfactory mechanical properties and a uniform fine cellular structure.