Resin is a natural or synthetic compound which begins in a highly viscous state and hardens with treatment. Typically, resin is soluble in alcohol, but not in water. There are a number of different classes of resin, depending on exact chemical composition and potential uses. There are numerous applications for resins, ranging from art to polymer production, and many consumers interact with products which contain resin on a daily basis.

Natural resin comes from plants. A classic example is pine sap, which has the characteristic sharp odor of terpene compounds. As anyone who has interacted with pine sap knows, the substance is very viscous, but it hardens over time. A number of other plants produce resins, and plant resins have been used by humans for thousands of years. Some plants exude a similar substance called gum or gum resin which does interact with water. Gum tends to be softer and more malleable than resin.

Plant resin can be clear to dark brown in color, and it varies in opacity and hardness. Some plant resin is also extremely volatile, since it contains unstable compounds. Misidentification of resinous trees can sometimes lead to unfortunate accidents, since some resins contain heptanes, flammable and potentially explosive hydrocarbons. The popular decorative material amber is fossilized plant resin. The rich golden color of amber is a common shade for plant resins, but amber can also be found in more rare colors, like blue.

Humans have been using natural resins for thousands of years. Pine pitch has been used to seal boats, mummies, food containers, and an assortment of other things. It has also been used as a component in varnish, lacquer, inks, perfumes, jewelry, and many other objects. With human technological advances came the realization that resins could be formulated into polymers, and the discovery of synthetic resins followed shortly after.

For the most part, polymers made with “resins” are actually made with synthetic resin, which is cheaper and easier to refine. Synthetic resin is much more stable, predictable, and uniform than natural resin as well, since it is made under controlled conditions without the possibility of the introduction of impurities. These resins are made by combining chemicals in a laboratory to stimulate a reaction which results in the formulation of a resinous compound. Once formed, the resin can be used in the production of plastics, paints, and many of the same substances that natural resin is used in.