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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.
Synthetic resins have several classes. Some are manufactured by the esterification of organic compounds. Some resins are more like thermosetting plastics in which the term "resin" is loosely applied to the reactant or product, or both. The term "resin" may be applied to one of two monomers in a copolymer, the other being called a "hardener.” For thermosetting plastics that only have one monomer, the sole monomer compound is called the "resin." For example, liquid methyl methacrylate is generally called the "resin" or "casting resin" when it’s in a liquid or viscous state before it polymerizes and "sets." The subsequent polymethyl methacrylate is often renamed acrylic glass or just acrylic. Some resins are also used in 3D printing; you can find out more about how they are used in our guide on how 3D printing works or shop for 3D printer resin on Xometry.com, the industry's leading on-demand manufacturing platform.
This article looks at 12 different types of resins and their properties and applications.
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.
You use Thomas' Supplier Discovery Platform to find Suppliers of Polyester 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 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 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.
You can use Thomas' Supplier Discovery Platform to find Suppliers of Polycarbonate Resins.
Polyamide resins contain an amide group as a recurring part of their molecular chains. They are easily molded, strong and resistant, and lightweight. They have a low friction coefficient and are abrasion and chemical resistant. They are used for nonlubricated bearings, fibers, gears, sutures, tires, watchbands, packaging, and bottles.
You use Thomas' Supplier Discovery Platform to find Suppliers of Polyamide Resins.
Polyurethane resins are copolymers made up of polyol and isocyanate components. They are very versatile when combined with other resins, and have a high film elasticity and adhesion to substrates. Polyurethane resins also have a good balance of elongation and hardness. They are used for insulation, elastomers, adhesives, and foam liners for clothing.
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, 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.
Polyethylene resins are the most common type of resin, with over 100 million tons produced annually. They have strong chemical and steam or moisture resistance and a high degree of flexibility. They are used for packaging for laminates and films, containers, cable insulation, coatings, toys, molds, linings, and pipes and tubes.
You use Thomas' Supplier Discovery Platform to find Suppliers of Polyethylene Resins.
Acrylic resins are related thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic substances created from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or other related compounds. They are clear with good tensile strength. Acrylic resins are impact and UV resistant. They are used for structural and decorative panels, adhesives, elastomers, coatings, signs, and translucent tiles.
Polystyrene resins are aromatic hydrocarbon polymers made from the monomer styrene. They are low cost and easy to produce, with excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, and salts. Polystyrene resins also have good clarity and flexibility. They are used for insulation, pipes, foams, cooling towers, rubber, automotive instruments, and dashboards.
Polypropylene resins are a type of thermoplastic polymer resin that does not contain BPA. They are colorless and tasteless, with a low density and good heat resistance. They can be sterilized, so they're often used with medical equipment. Polypropylene resins also have good chemical resistance. They are used for toys, electronic components, pipe and production tubing, fibers and filaments, and coatings.
This article presented an understanding of the different types of resins. For more information on related products, consult our other guides or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform to locate potential sources of supply or view details on specific products.
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