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Phenolic moulding compounds are categorized into two types based on differences in forming processes:

Compression Moulding Compounds: Processed through compression moulding, where material is placed into a mold and subjected to high temperature and pressure (typically 150-180°C, 10-50 MPa) to achieve curing. Suitable for manufacturing complex shapes, components requiring high dimensional accuracy, or large thick-walled parts such as insulating brackets in electrical equipment and heat-resistant components around automotive engines. With uniform filler dispersion, these offer superior mechanical strength and high-temperature resistance. They are widely used in mid-to-high-end industrial components and represent the traditional mainstream product type.

Injection Moulding Compounds: Designed for injection moulding processes, these materials exhibit excellent flow properties. They rapidly fill molds and cure via injection moulding machines, offering high production efficiency and automation. Ideal for mass-producing small-to-medium-sized components with relatively regular structures, such as switch panels for household appliances, automotive electronic connectors, and small electrical insulators. With the widespread adoption of injection moulding and optimized material flow, this product category’s market share is steadily increasing, particularly meeting the scaled production demands of consumer industrial goods.

Application Domains: Core Implementation Scenarios for Phenolic Moulding Compounds

Downstream applications of phenolic moulding compounds are highly concentrated in industrial manufacturing, categorized into four distinct sectors:

Electrical/Electronic Equipment: The core application domain encompasses insulating and structural components for motors, transformers, circuit breakers, relays, and similar devices. Examples include motor commutators, transformer insulating cores, and circuit breaker terminals. Phenolic moulded plastics’ high insulation and heat resistance ensure safe operation of electrical equipment under high-voltage and high-heat conditions, preventing short circuits caused by insulation failure. Compression moulded plastics are primarily used for critical insulation components, while injection moulded plastics suit mass production of small electronic components.

Automotive Industry: Used in heat-resistant components for automotive engine peripherals, electrical systems, and chassis, such as engine cylinder head gaskets, ignition coil housings, sensor brackets, and brake system components. These components must endure prolonged exposure to engine temperatures (120-180°C) and vibration/impact. Phenolic moulded plastics meet requirements with their high-temperature resistance, oil resistance, and mechanical strength, while offering lighter weight than metals to reduce vehicle mass and fuel consumption. Compression molded plastics suit core heat-resistant engine components, while injection molded plastics are used for small-to-medium electrical parts.

Home Appliances: Suitable for heat-resistant structural and functional components in appliances like rice cookers, electric ovens, microwaves, and washing machines. Examples include rice cooker inner pot brackets, electric oven heating element mounts, microwave door insulation parts, and washing machine motor end caps. Appliance components must withstand moderate to high temperatures (80-150°C) and humid environments during daily use. Phenolic moulded plastics offer significant advantages in high-temperature resistance, moisture resistance, and cost-effectiveness. Injection-molded plastics, due to their high production efficiency, have become the mainstream choice in the home appliance sector.

Other Applications: Phenolic moulded plastics are also used in aerospace (e.g., small insulation parts for onboard equipment), medical devices (e.g., high-temperature sterilization components), and industrial valves (e.g., valve seal seats). For instance, high-temperature sterilization trays in medical devices must withstand 121°C high-pressure steam sterilization, where phenolic molded plastics meet both temperature resistance and hygiene requirements. Industrial valve seat seals require resistance to media corrosion and specific temperatures, highlighting their adaptability across diverse applications.