How is phenol used?
Phenol plays an unseen, but major role, in our everyday lives. Plywood, window glazing, DVDs and CDs, computers and sports equipment are some of the many items that rely on this important raw material. Phenol is a major component of the phenolic adhesives used in wood products such as plywood and oriented strand board. It is also used to produce phenolic resins, which are used in the moulding of heat-resistant components for household appliances, counter-top and flooring laminates, and foundry castings. In addition, it is a valuable intermediate in the manufacture of detergents, agricultural chemicals, medicines, plasticisers, and dyes. The largest single market for phenol is in the production of Bisphenol A (BPA), which is manufactured from phenol and acetone. BPA is, in turn, used to manufacture polycarbonate (the largest and fastest growing use for BPA) and epoxy resins. Both polycarbonate and epoxy resins are used in many different industries and in countless items which we encount
