PF Foams Manuscript Bilen et al. 25.docx

<b>This study explores the use of wood vinegar and tar—by-products of biomass pyrolysis—as renewable phenol sources for phenol–formaldehyde (PF) foams used in underground coal mining. By applying simple mineral processing techniques, the authors recovered phenolic compounds from these waste materials. The results show that tar contains significantly higher phenol levels than wood vinegar, making it a promising bio-based alternative to petroleum-derived phenol in PF resin production. This approach supports sustainability, waste valorization, and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.</b>