| abstract |
The present invention is concerned with moulding materials for use in the formation of composites and is particularly concerned with phenolic composites. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with phenolic resin materials which can be used without the need to add catalyst materials, and which therefore do not suffer as readily as known compositions from discolouration. The uncured material for forming a phenolic resin sheet comprises uncured phenolic resin, filler, a catalyst in an amount of less than 2 wt % relative to the content of phenolic resin, and wherein the filler is present at a ratio of filler to uncured phenolic resin in an amount of 2.5:1 and greater, and further wherein the filler comprises a transition metal hydroxide and/or aluminum hydroxide in a ratio of metal hydroxide to uncured phenolic resin in an amount of 1:1.5 to 3:1. |