Study of the interaction between poly(ethylene oxide) and phenol-formaldehyde resin

Interactions between poly(ethylene oxide) and phenol-formaldehyde resin play important roles in the mechanism by which the two polymers improve fibre retention in the papermaking process. these were investigated at the concentration level and shear conditions found in this process. The results indicate that the complex formed varies with pH and ionic strength over a very narrow range of conditions, and that the self association of the resin plays an important part in the quantity of resin in the complex. Because the amount of resin interacting with the polyethylene oxide appears to be related to the molecular weight, and hence chain length, of the two polymers, cooperative binding of the polymers seems to be involved. A minimum size of the network was found to be necessary for the polymers to improve fibre retention