Synthetic resin

A resin having a polymeric structure; especially a resin in the raw state; used chiefly in plastics
acrylate resin, acrylic resin, acrylic - a glassy thermoplastic; can be cast and molded or used in coatings and adhesives
polyethylene, polythene - a lightweight thermoplastic; used especially in packaging and insulation
allyl resin - a resin derived from allyl alcohol that hardens when cured; used as an adhesive
resin, rosin - any of a class of solid or semisolid viscous substances obtained either as exudations from certain plants or prepared by polymerization of simple molecules
urea-formaldehyde resin - a clear thermosetting resin made from urea and formaldehyde and used in electrical fittings, adhesives, and finishes
alkyd, alkyd resin - a durable synthetic resin widely used in adhesives and paints
phenolic, phenolic resin, phenoplast - a thermosetting resin
epoxy, epoxy glue, epoxy resin - a thermosetting resin; used chiefly in strong adhesives and coatings and laminates
melamine resin - a thermosetting resin formed from melamine and an aldehyde; used in molded products, adhesives, and coatings
polyester - any of numerous synthetic resins; they are light and strong and weather resistant
polymer - a naturally occurring or synthetic compound consisting of large molecules made up of a linked series of repeated simple monomers
polyvinyl resin, vinyl polymer, vinyl resin - a thermoplastic derived by polymerization from compounds containing the vinyl group

Resin is a naturally occurring substance that is produced by certain trees. This viscous fluid has been replicated by scientists and is called synthetic resin. Synthetic resins have properties that are extremely similar to their naturally occurring counterparts, most important of which is the ability to harden with the application of heat or pressure, or a combination of both. Products that are created by using synthetic resin include automotive parts, food containers, and pipes.

Synthetic resin is typically manufactured using a chemical polymerization process. This process then results in the creation of polymers that are more stable and homogeneous than naturally occurring resin. Since they are more stable and are cheaper, various forms of synthetic resin are used in a variety of products, such as plastics, paints, varnishes, and textiles.

Generally, synthetic resins are broadly categorized into two areas: thermoplastic synthetic resins and thermosetting synthetic resins. Thermoplastic resins are those that can be softened and reformed through application of heat and pressure, even after being set in a particular shape. The process can be repeated unless the polymeric bonds within the resin are broken. This type of synthetic resin includes polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, and polyvinyl Chlorine (PVC).

Some of the largest applications for this polymer resin class include packaging films, molded food containers, and molded cup holders. This type of resin is also used extensively for automotive parts that are formed using an injection-molding process. PVC resin is used commonly for pipes and conduits, as well.