Processes for the manufacture of thermally curable resins contain the step of the reaction of a polycondensation-capable phenolic compound and/or of an aminoplastic forming agent with 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) under conditions leading to formation of polycondensation products. The HMF includes at least one HMF oligomer. Further, thermally curable resins produced by such processes may be used for the manufacture of a wood composite material.

A process for the manufacture of wood composite materials includes the steps of: preparation of a thermally curable resin by reacting a polycondensation-capable phenolic compound and/or an amino plastic forming agent with 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) under conditions leading to the formation of polycondensation products, bringing the resin into contact with lignocellulose-containing material, and curing the resin with formation of the wood composite material. The 5-hydroxymethylfurfural includes at least one HMF oligomer. Further, wood composite materials are obtainable by the process.