SI develops resorcinol-free and bio-renewable bonding resin 

Schenectady, New York – SI Group has introduced a modified phenol-formaldehyde thermoplastic resin “based on bio-renewable materials” for rubber-bonding applications. 

Labelled Elaztobond B8-3410, the resorcinol-free product is claimed to be “a more sustainable and safer solution” than bonding resins conventionally used in the rubber industry. 

According to the company, the adhesive is particularly effective in applications where rubber compounds must bond to non-rubber components such as metal wire.  

“A bonding resin with zero free-resorcinol enables tire manufacturers to use safer materials in their factories while still achieving maximum performance,” said Gordon McNeilage, SI Group business director in a 22 Sept release. 

Asked about the exact chemistry of the modified phenol, the New York-based company replied that the “resin has polydispersity with no specific structure.”   

The resorcinol-free chemistry, it added, addresses health-hazard concerns over resorcinol, which the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is currently targeting for regulatory action. 

The product, SI Group further stated, matches the performance of resorcinol resin but is not a drop-in replacement, as adjustments to the formulations may be needed.