Polymeric compositions

A composition consisting essentially of (a) the product obtained by condensing reactant (1) a compound selected from the group consisting of aralkyl ethers of the general formula R'(CH.sub.2 OR).sub.2 and aralkyl halides of the general formula R'(CH.sub.2 X).sub.2), wherein R' is p-phenylene, R is an alkyl radical containing less than 6 carbon atoms, and X is selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine and iodine, with reactant (2) at least one phenol containing 1 hydroxy group attached to a carbon atom of the benzene nucleus with a total of not more than 3 substituents attached to carbon atoms of the benzene nucleus, the reactant (2) being in a proportion of between 1.3 and 3 moles per mole of reactant (1), with the elimination of the alcohol ROH, when said compound is said aralkyl ether, or the hydrogen halide HX, when said compound is said aralkyl halide and removing said ROH or said HX and carrying said condensation to substantial completion, and (b) from 10% to 20% by weight of said product of hexamethylene tetramine.