Handbook of Thermosetting Foams, Aerogels, and Hydrogels: From Fundamentals to Advanced Applications

Abstract

The development and usage of various resins are in development, and a myriad of research is in progress and in demand. Urea formaldehyde (UF) is one of the oldest thermosetting resin or polymers, which is a fruitful product obtained from the combination of urea, the first organic compound to be synthesized, along with an aldehyde, which is formaldehyde. The story of UF pivots around the centuries and leaves an ineradicable mark in the field of polymer science. UF were used for wide range of applications like adhesives, particle boards, finishes, etc., and UF were produced annually based on the requirements. The UF resins produced were used intact or converted to UF foams, aerogels, or hydrogels based on the application to be implemented such as UF foam insulation, electrocatalyst, etc., since UF were known for its astonishing properties. The tribulation in the release of formaldehyde into air from the UF based materials may jeopardize health on prolonged exposure. A mild concentration of formaldehyde may result in respiratory issues and other allergic reaction, but excess amounts of formaldehyde exposure may even become a risk factor for cancer. In this scenario, scientific steps are to be taken in order to make UF materials intact for longer time. The current chapter is a voyage through the preparation techniques and various extraordinary properties of the UF foam, aerogel, and hydrogel, which distinguish them from other resins or polymers along with some prevalent applications. The chapter also debates the factors that took the UF to face the knife-edge along with the trajectories of research done on UF. © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.