Resins are typically viscous substances that convert into rigid polymers through a curing process. Resins are naturally occurring but are now often made synthetically.
Some synthetic resins have similar properties to natural plant resins, but many are very different.
In this article, we’ll look at 6 different types of resins, their properties and applications.
POLYESTER RESINS
Polyester resins are formed from the reaction of dibasic organic acids and polyhydric alcohols. They are very flexible and have excellent resistance to heat, chemicals, and flame. They tend to be low cost. They are used for construction, laminate, auto-repair of fillers, skis, fishing rods, plane and ship components, coatings, decorative accessories, and bottles.
PHENOLIC RESINS
Phenolic resins are a type of thermosetting resin. They are strong, heat and impact resistant and have a high resistance to chemical corrosion and the penetration of moisture. Phenolic resins are machined easily. They are used for resin impregnation, brake linings, electrical components, laminate, adhesives for cement, bonded adhesives, and molds.
ALKYD RESINS
Alkyd resins are thermoplastic polyester resins created by heating polyhydric alcohols with polybasic acids. They have excellent electrical and thermal properties and good chemical resistance. They are low cost and used for electrical insulation, electronic components, putty fillers, and paints.
POLYCARBONATE RESINS
Polycarbonate resins are thermoplastics generally developed from bisphenol A and phosgene. They have a high refractive index, electrical and thermal dimensional stability, resistance to staining, and resistance to filtration. They are used for metal replacements, safety helmets, lenses, electrical components, photography film, and insulators.
SILICONE RESINS
Silicone resins used to be created with sodium silicate and various chlorosilanes, but now they are often formed with the less reactive tetraethoxysilane or ethyl polysilicate and several disiloxanes. They have good thermal and oxidative stability and are flexible and water repellent. Silicone resins form hard films because of their three-dimensional network structure. They are used for rubber, laminates, encapsulated resins, defoamers, and water-resistant applications.
EPOXY RESINS
Epoxy resins, also called polyepoxides, are a type of reactive prepolymers and polymers which contain epoxide groups. They have excellent chemical and heat resistance and strong adhesion properties. They are used for laminates, adhesives, flooring, linings, propellers, and surface coatings.