Two types of phenolic resins: dimethylol phenolic resin or octylphenol–formaldehyde resin (SP-1045) and phenolic resin with active hydroxymethyl (methylol) groups (HRJ-10518) (made from a reaction of octylphenol and formaldehyde) were used as reactants to prepare a compatibilizer (i.e. phenolic modified polyethylene) and a curing agent, respectively.