SYNTHESIS OF ION-EXCHANGE RESINS BASED ON PHENOL-FORMALDEHYDE OLIGOMERS AND THEIR APPLICATION AREAS

Abstract

Sulfated compounds based on phenol–formaldehyde oligomers represent an important class of functional polymer materials with wide industrial applicability. In this study, the preparation of sulfated phenol–formaldehyde oligomers through chemical modification is considered, along with the changes induced in their physicochemical properties. The introduction of sulfate or sulfo groups into the oligomer structure significantly enhances water solubility, surface activity, and ionogenic character, transforming initially hydrophobic materials into multifunctional additives.

The sulfation process, typically carried out using strong sulfating agents such as sulfuric acid, chlorosulfonic acid, or oleum, proceeds via electrophilic substitution on activated phenolic rings. Reaction conditions strongly influence the degree of sulfation and, consequently, the functional performance of the resulting products. Sulfated phenol–formaldehyde oligomers exhibit high efficiency as dispersants, emulsifiers, and stabilizers, while maintaining stability even in electrolyte-containing environments. Owing to these properties, they find extensive application in the oil and gas industry, construction materials, chemical and petrochemical processes, textile and paper production, as well as environmental technologies such as wastewater treatment. The results demonstrate that sulfation is an effective approach for expanding the application potential of phenol–formaldehyde oligomers and highlights their promise for further research and industrial development