Is Polyresin The Same As Plastic?

What is Resin?

Materials science and polymer chemistry define resins as highly viscous solid substances obtained synthetically or from sources or plants. It has properties that can be converted into polymers. It is also used as an extender for most plastic-based substances.

It itself is a mixture of several organic compounds. Most woody plants produce this substance when they are cut. It has less composition, less volatility, and less diterpenes than plastic.

Common examples of resins are balsam, Canada balsam, balsam of Gilead, and several other trees belonging to the Dipterocarpaceae family. Resin has a long history and has been regarded as a precious substance since ancient times and has been endowed with religious value.

From a chemical perspective, it can be divided into a group of semi-solid and solid amorphous compounds. Both substances are obtained directly from plants in the form of exudates.

It is yellowish-brown in color, with some strands appearing dark brown. It has many uses such as sealing boats, food containers, mummies, etc. In modern times, they are used as additional compounds in polymers.

What is plastic? 

According to materials science, plastic is a substance that can be molded into different shapes.

They are organic polymers containing high molecular weight. It is not found in pure form and often contains several other substances to obtain the proper shape.

It is made of different things according to the requirements of the material. Most types of plastic are obtained as derivatives of petrochemicals, while many are made from renewable materials, such as cellulose from cotton lint or polylactic acid from corn.

Materials science uses it as a general term for all those materials that are able to twist their shape without being destroyed but require a highly moldable polymer class. Today, they are used as a replacement for most products due to their low cost, versatility, ease of manufacture, and quality in molding in many forms.

In modern times, it continues to replace several other traditional materials, such as stone, horn, text, leather, metal, glass, etc. According to recent research on plastics as alternative products, plastics are used for packaging purposes and as materials for building components such as pipes or vinyl siding.

Main differences 

Resin is just an unprocessed plastic, and plastic is the final product for further use.

Solid resins offer more versatility in the way they are formed. It's also said to be easier to repair. Neither of these properties are found in solid plastics.

Resins are the sticky hydrocarbon secretions of many plants, mainly conifers, while plastics are sculptors and molders.

Resin is more original than plastic which looks unnatural. Resins are derived directly from plant exudates, while plastics have synthetic polymer properties.

Plastic is more stable and contains fewer impurities than resin which is filled with many impurities.

Resins come primarily from plants, while plastics come from petrochemicals.

Plastic is dense and hard in nature, while resin has a sticky and gel-like substance.

Plastics degrade slowly and cause environmental pollution, and various additives in plastics are toxic, while resin is a natural product and environmentally friendly.

Natural resins are viscous organic liquids that are insoluble in water. Plastics are synthetic resins in the form of long-chain polymers derived from petroleum.

Plastics can be remelted, but resins are difficult to remelt

Resin is a completely organic substance, while plastic is an inorganic material.