Chances are you’ve heard of the term “resins” before. However, on the off chance that you haven’t, or if you can’t remember what they are, a resin is a solid or highly viscous substance. There are both natural and synthetic resins, both of which are used for various different reasons and as ingredients in different chemical experiments.
As previously mentioned, resins can either be natural or synthetic (created). However, the natural type is usually found/exuded from trees, mainly pine and fir trees. Despite the natural ones still existing, the industry tens to favor the synthetic ones, of which are defined into two separate classes: thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers.
Thermoplastic resins
Thermoplastic resins are materials used to soften liquids during high temperatures, later turning to a solid substance once left to cool down. As you can probably imagine, there are various types of thermoplastics, including nylon, acrylic, and polycarbonate, all of which have their own applications.
For example, rope is created with nylon alongside other applications including machine screws and even wheels.
Thermosetting
On the other hand, we have thermosetting resins or polymers. Thermosetting polymers are rather useless as a pure resin, and instead, require other chemicals to allow them to be processed. While thermoplastics are used for applications such as nylon, thermosetting polymers are used for epoxy, silicone, vinyl ester, and several other applications.
As you can see from the above applications, thermosetting polymers begin as a liquid, then later solidify, allowing for easy application for flooring and other complicated processes.
To conclude
Resins, both thermoplastic and thermosetting are key chemicals in organic chemistry, used in various different reactions and for many, many applications, all of which are used each and every day.
There are multiple resins available for purchase within chemistry, ideal for experiments or other commercial applications. If you would like to see our full catalog of chemicals and polymers, then please click here.