resine

Resin is a broad term for solid or highly viscous organic substances that originate naturally in plants or are produced synthetically. Natural resins are exuded by plants, particularly conifers, as a defense against injury and to seal wounds. They are typically sticky when fresh and harden on exposure to air, light, or heat. Common natural resins include mastic, dammar, copal, and rosin; amber is fossilized resin.

Synthetic resins are polymers formed by polymerization or polycondensation of smaller monomers. They include epoxy, phenolic, polyester, acrylic, alkyd, vinyl, and polyurethane resins. Synthetic resins are widely used in plastics, coatings, adhesives, sealants, and composite materials. Many require curing or cross-linking, using heat, catalysts, or ultraviolet light, to form a solid network.

Applications and considerations: Natural resins are used in varnishes, traditional coatings, perfumery, and as feedstocks for chemical modification. Synthetic resins underpin modern plastics, automotive coatings, electronics potting compounds, dental composites, and packaging. Health and environmental aspects vary; processing can release volatile organic compounds, and recycling prospects depend on resin type. Ambitious sustainability efforts aim to improve biodegradability or incorporate bio-based feedstocks.