Evaluation of NMR spectroscopy for the quantitative characterization of urea-formaldehyde resins

A comparative evaluation has been made of both proton and (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance techniques in the quantitative characterization of commercial urea-formaldehyde resins. There is good agreement between data derived from (13)C NMR spectra and from (1)H high-field continuous wave, or low-field (Fourier transform) NMR spectra. Low-field continuous wave proton spectra exhibit inferior resolution and provide inaccurate quantitative data. Combination of (13)C and proton NMR with nitrogen analysis gives a quantitative characterization technique for these resins.