Resin, Synthetic

Name:
Resin, Synthetic
Detailed information:
A manufactured high polymer resulting from a chemical reaction between two (or more) substances, usually with heat or a catalyst. This definition includes synthetic rubbers and silicones (elastomers), but excludes modified, water-soluble polymers (often called resins). Distinction should be made between a synthetic resin and a plastic; the former is the polymer itself, whereas the latter is the polymer plus such additives as filters, colorant, plasticizers, etc.The first truly synthetic resin was developed by Baekeland in 1911 (phenol-formaldehyde). This was soon followed by a petroleum-derived product called coumarone-indene, which did indeed have the properties of a resin. The first synthetic elastomer was polychloroprene (1931) originated by Nieuwland and later called neoprene. Since then many new types of synthetic polymers have been synthesized, perhaps the most sophisticated of which are nylon and its congeners (polyamides, by Carothers), and the inorganic silicone group (Kipping). Other important types are alkyds, acrylics, aminoplasts, polyvinyl halides, polyester, epoxies, and polyolefins.In addition to their many applications in plastics, textiles, and paints, special types of synthetic resins are useful as ion-exchange media.See Gum, Gasoline; Plastic; Paint; Fiber; Film; Elastomer.Note: Because the term resin is so broadly used as to be almost meaningless, it would be desirable to restrict its application to natural, organo-soluble, hydrocarbon-based products derived from trees and shrubs. But in view of the tendency of inappropriate terminology to “gel” irreversibly, it is a losing battle to attempt to replace “synthetic resin” with the more precise “synthetic polymer.”See Gum, Natural.