The binder behind every brake pad and grinding wheel
Phenolic resin holds a friction material or bonded abrasive together: hot-pressed with fibres, fillers and abrasives, it melts, wets every particle and cures into a rigid matrix that keeps its strength at braking and grinding temperatures.
The ELRIBOND range covers novolacs with and without hexamine, rubber, organic, inorganic and CNSL-modified grades, high-bond novolacs, resols, liquid CNSL resins and CNSL friction particles, each with published typical properties.
All phenolic resin grades & typical properties
Press Sample or Order on any grade to start a request with it filled in. Data sheets marked TDS download or open in a new tab; the others are emailed on request. Pick a family below.
No grade matches that search. Try a number such as 114, or words like "fast", "NBR" or "boron".
Unmodified novolac powder resins with hexamine
Straight phenol-formaldehyde novolacs, ground and blended with hexamine. They are the standard binder for brake pads, drum linings, clutch facings and bonded abrasives because of their heat resistance and wear behaviour. All grades are low in free phenol, and dust-free versions are available. Pick by flow first, then by cure speed.
| Grade | Flow (mm) | Gel time (s) | Melting point (°C) | Hexamine (%) | Character | TDS | Request |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELRIBOND 101 | 14–19 | 70–120 | 85–100 | 9.0 ± 0.3 | Very short flow | ||
| ELRIBOND 102 | 16–20 | 95–125 | 85–100 | 6.5 ± 0.3 | Very short flow, lower hexamine | ||
| ELRIBOND 103 | 20–25 | 90–120 | 90–100 | 9.0 ± 0.5 | Short flow | ||
| ELRIBOND 104 | 25–35 | 72–132 | 85–95 | 9.0 ± 0.5 | Short to medium flow | ||
| ELRIBOND 105 | 28–36 | 80–130 | 75–95 | 7.25 ± 0.25 | Medium flow | ||
| ELRIBOND 106 | 42–52 | 90–120 | 70–85 | 9.0 ± 0.3 | Medium to long flow | ||
| ELRIBOND 107 | 50–70 | 90–130 | 77–90 | 7.4 ± 0.4 | Long flow | ||
| ELRIBOND 108 | 75–100 | 90–130 | 65–80 | 9.0 ± 0.5 | Long flow | ||
| ELRIBOND 111 | 50–80 | 40–70 | 80–95 | 6.0 ± 0.5 | Fast curing, long flow | ||
| ELRIBOND 112 | 45–65 | 50–70 | 70–90 | 9.0 ± 0.5 | Fast curing | ||
| ELRIBOND 113 | 23–33 | 22–32 | 80–95 | 7.5 ± 0.5 | Very fast curing | ||
| ELRIBOND 114 | 15–25 | 25–50 | 80–105 | 9.0 ± 0.5 | Fast curing, multi-purpose | TDS | |
| ELRIBOND 115 | 15–25 | 25–50 | 80–95 | 9.0 ± 0.5 | Fast curing |
Hexamine-free novolac resins
Novolacs supplied without curing agent, for manufacturers who add their own hexamine or another hardener, and for refractory and carbon-bonded products where you control the cure yourself.
| Grade | Flow (mm) | Gel time (s) | Melting point (°C) | Hexamine (%) | Character | TDS | Request |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELRIBOND 151 | 50–70 | 90–130 | 77–90 | < 1.0 | Hexamine-free, friction grade | TDS | |
| ELRIBOND 152 | 34–40 † | – | – | < 1.0 | Hexamine-free, refractory grade | TDS |
† Plate flow measured with 9 % hexamine added.
Rubber (NBR) modified powder resins
Novolacs modified with nitrile rubber (NBR). They give a more flexible matrix and higher compressibility, which reduces brake noise and improves comfort in the finished part. Choose the rubber level to match how much damping you need.
| Grade | Flow (mm) | Gel time (s) | Melting point (°C) | Hexamine (%) | Character | TDS | Request |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELRIBOND 201 | 12–18 | 72–120 | 87–97 | 9.0 ± 0.5 | High NBR | ||
| ELRIBOND 202 | 13–17 | 70–130 | 75–90 | 8.0 ± 0.5 | Medium NBR | ||
| ELRIBOND 203 | 20–25 | 60–120 | 75–95 | 9.1 ± 0.5 | Medium NBR | ||
| ELRIBOND 204 | 22–30 | 80–110 | 75–90 | 9.0 ± 0.5 | Low NBR | ||
| ELRIBOND 205 | 18–25 | 60–120 | 75–90 | 9.0 ± 0.5 | Low NBR, shorter flow than ELRIBOND 204 | ||
| ELRIBOND 206 | 12–24 | 20–35 * | 75–90 | 9.0 ± 0.2 | NBR, fast curing | ||
| ELRIBOND 207 | 55–75 | 80–100 | 72–80 | 6.5 ± 0.5 | NBR, long flow |
* Gel time measured at 160 °C.
CNSL modified powder resins
Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) is a natural phenol and the raw material Elrisa is built on. Replacing part of the phenol with CNSL gives a more flexible matrix for better comfort, a higher friction level and better water repellence. Available in several degrees of modification.
| Grade | Flow (mm) | Gel time (s) | Melting point (°C) | Hexamine (%) | Character | TDS | Request |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELRIBOND 501 | 30–40 | 40–100 | 75–85 | 9.0 ± 0.3 | High CNSL modified | TDS | |
| ELRIBOND 502 | 30–48 | 45–95 | 65–85 | 6.7 ± 0.8 | Low CNSL modified | ||
| ELRIBOND 503 | 40–60 | 35–95 | 60–80 | 4.75 ± 0.25 | CNSL + linseed modified | ||
| ELRIBOND 504 | 45–65 ‡ | 120–240 | 65–90 | 7.5 ± 0.5 | CNSL + furfural modified | ||
| ELRIBOND 505 | 80–100 | 90–180 | 60–85 | 8.0 ± 0.5 | CNSL + furfural modified | ||
| ELRIBOND 506 | 25–35 | – | 75–85 | 7.7–8.4 | CNSL + phosphorus modified | TDS |
‡ Flow measured at 130 °C.
Inorganic modified powder resins
For high-temperature duty. Phosphorus (P) modification helps the resin keep its strength at higher temperatures; boron (B) does the same and also raises the friction coefficient. Chromite-modified novolacs raise the friction coefficient too.
| Grade | Flow (mm) | Gel time (s) | Melting point (°C) | Hexamine (%) | Character | TDS | Request |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELRIBOND 401 | 13–18 | 45–100 | 75–100 | 5.0 ± 0.5 | P-modified, low hexamine | ||
| ELRIBOND 402 | 28–32 | 60–120 | 75–100 | 5.0 ± 0.5 | P-modified, low hexamine | ||
| ELRIBOND 403 | 15–25 | 80–140 | 75–100 | 10.0 ± 0.5 | B- and P-modified | ||
| ELRIBOND 404 | 13–18 | 60–120 | 75–100 | 9.5 ± 0.5 | B-, P- and NBR-modified | ||
| ELRIBOND 405 | 12 | 70–110 | 70–100 | 3.0 ± 0.5 | B- and P-modified novolac/resol copolymer | ||
| ELRIBOND 406 | 20–30 | 80–140 | 85–95 | 8.25 ± 0.75 | Chromite modified |
Organic modified powder resins
Novolacs modified with epoxy, PVE or PVB to change toughness, adhesion and flexibility. Other organic modifications can be supplied on request.
| Grade | Flow (mm) | Gel time (s) | Melting point (°C) | Hexamine (%) | Character | TDS | Request |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELRIBOND 301 | 17–27 | 35–65 | 85–100 | 10.0 ± 1.0 | Epoxy modified | ||
| ELRIBOND 302 | 35–50 | 75–95 | 75–95 | 9.0 ± 0.3 | PVE modified | ||
| ELRIBOND 303 | 12–18 | 80–110 | 85–105 | 6.5 ± 0.5 | PVB modified |
High-bond pre-reacted novolacs
Our strongest binders. The hexamine curing agent is built into the resin during manufacture instead of being dry-blended afterwards, so it is spread evenly through every particle. The result is a denser crosslink network, higher mechanical strength and Tg, and better heat transfer during cure, so thick parts cure faster and more completely. Milled to the particle-size distribution you specify.
| Grade | Cure at 150 °C (s) | Moisture (%) | Hexamine (%) | Melting point (°C) | Character | TDS | Request |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELRIBOND 601 | 35 | < 1 | 14.5 | 85–90 | Fastest cure, highest hexamine | ||
| ELRIBOND 602 | 37 | < 1 | 11.5 | 85–90 | Fast cure | ||
| ELRIBOND 603 | 44 | < 1 | 9.5 | 85–90 | Balanced cure | ||
| ELRIBOND 604 | 60 | < 1 | 7 | 85–90 | Longer working time, lowest hexamine |
Solid resol resins
Self-curing resols in powder or lump form, for formulations that need a binder without added hexamine.
| Grade | Flow (mm) | Gel time 150 °C | Melting point (°C) | Form | Character | TDS | Request |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELRIBOND 701 | 70–85 | 25–43 s * | 50–65 | Powder | Standard resol powder | ||
| ELRIBOND 702 | 60–90 | 120–240 s | < 90 | Powder / lump | Cresol modified | ||
| ELRIBOND 703 | – | 8–20 min | – | Powder / lump | CNSL based, phenol-free, long shelf life |
* Gel time measured at 160 °C.
CNSL liquid resins
Liquid novolacs, liquid resols and combinations of both, for impregnation, wet-mix processes and modifying powder systems.
| Grade | Gel time 130 °C (min) | Solids (%) | Viscosity 25 °C (cP) | Type | Character | TDS | Request |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELRIBOND 801 | 80 s | 97.5–100 | > 20,000 | CNSL polymer | High viscosity | ||
| ELRIBOND 802 | 90 s | 97.5–100 | 4,000–8,000 | CNSL polymer | Lower viscosity than ELRIBOND 801 | ||
| ELRIBOND 803 | 14 | > 92 | 1,000–2,000 | Liquid resin | Low reactivity | ||
| ELRIBOND 804 | 18–20 | 76–80 | 6,000–10,000 (30 °C) | CNSL modified resol | Liquid resol |
Friction particles (friction dust)
Cured CNSL particles that go into the friction mix itself. They stabilise the friction coefficient, reduce noise and wear, and improve fade recovery. Brown and black types are fine grades; the boron-modified types are medium to coarse.
| Property | ELRIBOND 901 | ELRIBOND 902 | ELRIBOND 903 | ELRIBOND 904 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | CNSL, brown type | CNSL, black type | CNSL, boron-modified | CNSL + phenol, boron-modified |
| Acetone extract (%) | max 5.0 | max 7.0 | max 6.0 | max 6.0 |
| Particle size | Fine | Fine | Medium to coarse | Medium to coarse |
| Screen analysis (%) | ||||
| > 1000 µm | 0 | |||
| > 425 µm | 0 | 0–30 | 0–40 | |
| > 250 µm | max 15 | 20–45 | ||
| > 150 µm | 40–60 | 40–90 | 40–80 | 65–90 |
| < 150 µm | max 60 | max 28 | ||
| > 100 µm | 60–80 | |||
| > 75 µm | 75–85 | |||
| TDS | ||||
| Request | ||||
All values are typical values, not specifications. Flow is plate flow at 125 °C; gel time is at 150 °C unless marked. Grades with low free-phenol content and dust-free versions are available. Particle size can be milled to your specification on the high-bond range. Test methods and Safety Data Sheets are available on request.
Where ELRIBOND resins are used

Brake pads & disc pads
Binders for passenger car, commercial vehicle and motorcycle disc pads, from low-metallic to NAO formulations.
ELRIBOND 101–115 · 201–207 · 501–506
Drum linings & clutch facings
Flexible, heat-resistant matrices for brake shoes, drum linings, clutch facings and industrial brake blocks.
ELRIBOND 201–207 · 401–406 · 901–904
Bonded abrasives
Grinding wheels, cutting discs and other resin-bonded abrasives, where bonding strength and low porosity count.
ELRIBOND 601–604 · 111–115
Refractories & foundry
Hexamine-free novolacs and resols for refractory bricks, carbon-bonded shapes and other high-temperature binders.
ELRIBOND 152 · 701–703Shipped to your plant, wherever it is
We supply friction and abrasive manufacturers in Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, Morocco, the Middle East, India and beyond, and quote on the delivery terms you prefer.
Packaging
25 kg multilayer paper bags on wooden pallets (500–1,250 kg per pallet), or 1,000 kg big bags for selected grades.
Delivery terms
EXW, FOB, CFR, CIF, DAP or DDP. Tell us your port or city and we quote the full landed route.
Storage & shelf life
No refrigeration needed. Store below 20 °C in unopened bags: 6–12 months depending on the grade.
Documents
Technical data sheet, Safety Data Sheet and a certificate of analysis with every batch on request.
Request a sample or place an order
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Order request received
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Urgent? Call or WhatsApp +233 55 639 5946 and quote your reference.
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Questions? Call or WhatsApp +233 55 639 5946.
Choosing a phenolic resin grade
| If you need… | Look at |
|---|---|
| A general-purpose brake pad or abrasive binder | Unmodified novolac powder resins (ELRIBOND 101–115) |
| Shorter press cycles and the highest strength | High-bond pre-reacted novolacs (ELRIBOND 601–604) or fast-curing grades 111–115 |
| Less brake noise and more comfort | NBR rubber-modified (201–207) or CNSL-modified (501–506) |
| Strength at high temperature | Phosphorus and boron-modified (401–405) or ELRIBOND 506 |
| A higher friction coefficient | Boron or chromite-modified grades (403–406), friction particles (901–904) |
| To add your own curing agent, or refractories | Hexamine-free novolacs (151–152) |
| A liquid binder for impregnation or wet mixes | CNSL liquid resins (801–804) |
How far the resin travels
Plate flow at 125 °C. Short-flow grades (12–25 mm) stay where they are put, which suits high-pressure moulding and fine mixes. Long-flow grades (50–100 mm) wet out fibres and coarse fillers more fully.
How fast it cures
Seconds to gel at 150 °C. Shorter gel times mean shorter press cycles and higher output. Fast-curing grades gel in 20–70 s; standard grades in 70–140 s.
How much curing agent
Hexamine crosslinks a novolac. Around 9 % gives full cure; lower levels release less ammonia and suit sensitive mixes. Hexamine-free grades let you add your own hardener.
How it handles and mixes
Higher melting points keep powder free-flowing in hot climates and storage; lower melting points start flowing sooner in the press.
Phenolic resin questions
What is phenolic resin used for in brake pads?
Phenolic resin is the binder that holds a brake pad together. The fibres, fillers, abrasives and lubricants are mixed with a novolac powder resin and hot-pressed; the resin melts, flows around the other ingredients and cures into a rigid, heat-resistant matrix. It keeps its strength at the high temperatures reached during braking, which is why it is used in almost all brake pads, drum linings and clutch facings.
What is the difference between novolac and resol phenolic resins?
A novolac is made with excess phenol and needs a curing agent, usually hexamine, to harden. A resol is made with excess formaldehyde and cures on its own with heat. Novolac powders are the usual choice for friction materials and bonded abrasives; resols are used where a binder without added hexamine is wanted.
How do I choose the right phenolic resin grade?
Start with flow (how far the molten resin travels before it gels), then cure speed (gel time) and hexamine content. Then pick a modification for the job: NBR or CNSL for lower noise and more comfort, phosphorus or boron for high temperatures, boron or chromite for a higher friction coefficient, and fast-curing or high-bond grades for shorter press cycles. Our team will recommend a shortlist if you tell us your application.
Can I get a sample of phenolic resin?
Yes. Use the sample request form on this page to ask for up to three ELRIBOND grades. We confirm the sample size, any cost and the courier details by email before anything is sent.
Do you export phenolic resin outside Ghana?
Yes. Elrisa supplies customers across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe. We quote EXW, FOB, CFR, CIF, DAP or DDP terms, and tell you the shipping options for your port or city when we quote.
How much does phenolic resin cost?
Price depends on the grade, the quantity, the packaging and where it is shipped. Send the order form on this page with your grades, quantities and destination and we reply with a written quotation, usually within 24 hours. Full pallets of 500 to 1,250 kg ship most economically.
How should phenolic resin powder be stored?
Store it below 20 °C in the unopened original bags, in a dry place away from heat. Under these conditions most ELRIBOND powder grades keep for 6 to 12 months; the exact shelf life is on each technical data sheet.
Where can I download the phenolic resin technical data sheet (TDS)?
Grades marked with a TDS button in the tables on this page can be downloaded as PDF straight away. For grades marked On request, ask through the sample or order form and we email the data sheet.