Phenolic Mold

Phenolic Mold

Phenolic mold is a type of thermoset plastic resin that was once famously marketed under the trademark name Bakelite by the company Union Carbide.phenolic mold This type of resin is commonly used in electrical, automotive and aerospace components. Its desirable properties include high heat resistance, good electrical insulation, and chemical resistance. It is typically molded through compression molding, but can also be injection or transfer molded. It can be found in a wide range of applications including circuit breakers, breaker handles, terminal blocks and electrical connectors. It is also often incorporated in auto transmissions and powertrain components.

Like all thermosets, phenolic molding compounds are brittle without the inclusion of fillers and other additives.phenolic mold For this reason, they are generally mixed with fibers or inert fillers. These can be glass, aramid, polyester and carbon fibers or other organic materials such as cellulose. The resulting phenolic resin composites are usually made into sheet molding compounds or pultruded, filament wound or continuous laminating products. In these cases, the resins are bonded with an inert material such as glass or alumina, which is then rolled into a mat and cut to a specific size.

The resulting phenolic products are known for their strength, good dimensional stability, excellent corrosion resistance and electrical insulation.phenolic mold Unlike some other thermoplastics, they do not melt when exposed to certain types of oils and chemicals. Phenolics can be molded through a variety of techniques, but can best be formed into complex shapes by compression molding. This process results in a finished part that is free of sink marks or gate distortions, and can easily be machined or turned on a lathe.

Some phenolics are able to withstand temperatures up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit, and many of them are resistant to steam as well. This makes them an ideal choice for parts that are able to withstand high levels of heat and chemical exposure. Thermosetting phenolics are also very durable, which is why they are used in electrical components such as breaker handles, terminal blocks and circuit breakers. They are also used in automobiles for transmission parts and engine components that must be able to withstand intense mechanical and thermal stress, and in aircraft for fuselage and cockpit parts.

Most phenolic molding compounds are black, but some can be mixed with a powder form colorant to produce colored components. They can also be mixed with various other additives to add specialty properties such as fire resistance, plating application and heat tolerance. They can also be mixed with a silane compound to improve their ability to resist etching during processing and to enhance the surface quality of finished parts. Other common additives include stearic acid and its metal salts, such as zinc, magnesium and calcium stearates. Other silanes can also be employed, including organo silicon compounds and glycerol monostearate. The properties of a particular phenolic product are usually measured using tests such as Impact Strength (ASTM D-256), Flexural Strength (ASTM D-651), Compressive Strength (ASTM D-695), Tensile Strength (ASTM D-695) and UL Flammability (ASTM E84). In some instances, a specialized test is also conducted to determine the ability of the phenolic to resist electrostatic discharges.

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