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What is Resin?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Resin is a natural or synthetic compound that begins in a highly viscous state and hardens with treatment. Typically, it is soluble in alcohol, but not in water. The compound is classified in a number of different ways, depending on its exact chemical composition and potential uses. It also has many applications, ranging from art to polymer production, and many consumers interact with products that contain it 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 they have been used by humans for thousands of years. Some plants exude a similar substance called gum or gum resin that does interact with water. Gum tends to be softer and more malleable.

Plant resin.
Plant resin.

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

Some ancient cultures used resin to seal mummies.
Some ancient cultures used resin to seal mummies.

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 this material could be formulated into polymers, and the discovery of synthetic resins followed shortly after.

Resins may be used in wood varnishes.
Resins may be used in wood varnishes.

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

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AboutMechanics researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AboutMechanics researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon354058

What is the difference between resin and resin felt?

anon331162

Can a natural resin be made into glue?

anon314386

What are some properties of resin? Is resin a compound/mixure/element?

anon314385

What is the chemical formula?

anon290026

How do I de-color synthetic amber or resins, or what is the method for coloring amber?

anon280003

Is solid synthetic resin paintable? If so, what's the best type of paint to use? And can I glaze it afterward? If so, with what?

anon259104

I would like to use resin for crochet purses to make them hold their shape and appear leather like. Is this possible?

anon198814

is it expensive?

anon164680

How many types of resins are there? How are they identified?

anon161532

I want to make resin tabletops and put items in them. How do I do that, and what kind do I buy?

anon158104

can you add resin to paint and what would be the effect in painting a wall?

anon152122

are there any medicinal uses of resins?

anon146958

what is the basic difference between polymer and resin?

anon145128

is it possible to convert natural resin into an ion exchange resin? by any chance could you cite any process of doing so?

anon127354

Is Hudyro carbon resin Escorez 1102 is more better or Coumerone Resin G-90 for Rubber V- Belt applications and why?

anon122193

Is it possible to make resin is soluble in water? Did anyone try it before?

anon119053

I'll answer all your resin questions. i work at a resin plant and all we manufacture is resin.

@no. 9: if you ingest or inhale resin you will not die, but may get sick.

@no. 3: No, resin is brittle and cannot be used as a glass for the simple fact it doesn't have a stable compound.

@no. 7: Yes, it's used in the paper industry when they make the paper. It looks like confetti but when mixed with molten resin and pressed it will bond the paper together.

@no. 14: Resins have different melting points. They can range from 99-160 mp.

@no.8: Resin does expire but it has a long shelf life and no, air will not affect it unless it is in liquid form but just heat it back to its melting point and it will be OK.

@no. 25: resins are also called rosins.

anon109131

What is the another name for resin?

anon96272

which kind of resin do we use for cad model. what does the resin piece contain?

anon94021

i have not used resin before but I am getting into jewelry making and do not know what type to purchase? can you please give some advise.

anon89740

I would like to know more about resin statues. how can they make statues? Are any other chemicals used for this?

anon73231

What are some important medicinal functions of natural resin?

anon64577

what is the composition of carmel resins?

anon63504

please how can i start a medium scale industry in particle board manufacturing?

anon61674

how was resin used?

anon52598

why is synthetic resin cheaper?

anon48840

What kind of resin is used for scale models to build figure/tank/ships? E.g.: products from verlinden production, which have resins like a smooth plastic surface and smell good .

anon46142

what is the melting point of resin?

anon42635

is resin safe for fruits and vegetables?

anon42139

do you need a spray booth to spray resin?

we are a boat manufacturing company and

the fire dept id requires a spray room or

a spray booth.

anon35940

i would like to know what kind of resin I need to mix with wood chips

anon32975

i have some resin. what is best to mix it? i was told metholated spirits. so how many parts of metholated spirits to resin flakes?

anon31812

will a person die if he/she ingests or inhales resin?

anon30490

Usually we use resin for steam boiler water softener. It has been 5 years or more. Does the resin expire? ...and when resin is exposed to the air will that affect it?

anon29589

Is this used in the paper industry? If so, for what?

anon25737

How is resin cleaned?

anon16965

which polymer can be used to make break pad ?

which polymer is used to manufacture break pad ?

Idris

Usually I use 6 part resin and 3 part water for uniform fiber bonding for my MDF. If I want use multiple kind of wood that not uniform fiber, can I reduce water part? How I can explain this in term polymer and reaction?

anon7962

Can resin be made hard enough to make sheets of and thus be used as a structural material instead of something like maybe glass??

anon5449

does resin can help seal pots from leaking?

if it is not properly mixed or applied can it affect it substantially? Considering we are making stonecast products by hand.

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    • Plant resin.
      By: unpict
      Plant resin.
    • Some ancient cultures used resin to seal mummies.
      By: Tatty
      Some ancient cultures used resin to seal mummies.
    • Resins may be used in wood varnishes.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Resins may be used in wood varnishes.