Amino-formaldehyde resins and applications thereof

A process for preparing an amino-formaldehyde resin comprising:

• (a) adding formaldehyde, and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of urea, melamine, and mixtures thereof to a reaction vessel to form a reaction mixture;
• (b) adjusting the pH of the reaction mixture to a first pH level;
• (c) heating the reaction mixture to a first temperature and refluxing the reaction mixture;
• (d) adjusting the pH of the reaction mixture to a second pH level;
• (e) condensing the reaction mixture at a second temperature less than the first temperature;
• (f) adjusting the pH of the reaction mixture to a third pH level;
• and
• (g) adjusting the temperature to a third temperature less than the second temperature, wherein a monohydroxy cyclic compound is added at step (a), at step (e), after step (g), or a combination thereof.

An article of manufacture comprising:

• a substrate comprising cellulosic materials in a form selected from the group consisting of particles, strands, fibers, veneers, and mixtures thereof;
• and
• an amino-formaldehyde resin prepared using a reaction mixture comprising:
• formaldehyde;
• a monohydroxy heterocyclic compound;
• and
• at least one amino compound selected from the group consisting of urea, melamine, and mixtures thereof.