Novoloid fiber

Description

A thermoset organic fiber produced from a phenolic novolac resin. The precursor resin is melt-spun in a solution of formaldehyde and hydrochloric acid. The reaction occurs and fibers are formed and cured. Novoloid fibers were initially developed in the 1960s. Commercial fiber production and development was done by the Gunei Chemical Industry Co. based in Japan.

Synonyms and Related Terms

phenolic fiber; novolac; novolak; novoloid fiber; phenol formaldehyde resin; Novolac®; Kynol®

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Composed of 76% carbon, 18% oxygen, & 6% hydrogen.
• Resistant to flames and most chemicals
• Soluble in ethanol. Affected by strong acids.
• Low tensile strength.
• Can withstand short-term heat exposure in temperatures > 1000C
• Produces little smoke or toxins upon combustion

Resources and Citations

• Fiberline Novoloid Techmical sheet
• Fiberline: Website

• G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 297

• Theodore J. Reinhart, 'Glossary of Terms', Engineered Plastics, ASM International, 1988

• Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993

• Marjory L. Joseph, Introductory Textile Science, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Fort Worth, TX, 1986