What Does Resin Mean In Construction?
What Does Resin Mean In Construction?
Resin in construction is a material that is commonly used to adhere surfaces together, provide waterproofing and seal cracks, fill holes, and strengthen or reinforce structures.
It is available in a range of types which offer varying qualities and benefits, including epoxy resins for tough adhesion, flexible polyurethane resins for greater flexibility and joint movement, acrylic resin for better UV resistance, and fire-retardant intumescent render for increased fire safety.
In addition, many resins are environmentally friendly due to their low VOC properties. Resin can be used in a range of applications from binding timber boards together to reinforcing walls with fibre-reinforced plastic reinforcements.
The construction industry commonly uses the term “resin” to refer to various coatings, adhesives, sealants, etc. The term was originally used to describe the natural organic substances secreted by plants. Resin has been used for waterproofing boats and colonial construction.
With advancements in technology, synthetic resins have been developed that offer improved properties and versatility in construction applications such as adhesives, coatings, and spray applications. These synthetic resins typically require a hardener to cure.
The ongoing R&D in this field continues to improve efficiency and economy in specialized construction processes.
History And Etymology Of Resin
The use of plant resins by humans has a long and rich history that can be traced back to ancient times. The ancient Greeks and Romans both documented their use with the resins known as frankincense and myrrh being particularly prized in ancient Egypt.
These substances were highly valued and used in religious ceremonies. The word “resin” comes from French and Latin roots, and is thought to have originated from a Greek word for pine resin. In modern times, the term “resin” is used to describe any liquid that will harden into a lacquer-like finish, such as nail polish.
Some resins are derived from natural sources such as oleoresins which are a mixture of oil and resin. Other natural resins known as gum resins are mixed with gum or mucilaginous substances.
Many natural resins are used as ingredients in perfumes, such as balsams of Peru and tolu, elemi, styrax and turpentines.
Uses Of Resin
Plant resins are versatile materials with various applications in various industries. They are used in the production of varnishes, adhesives, and food glazing agents, as well as raw materials for synthesizing other organic compounds.
The use of plant resin dates back to the late Middle Stone Age in Southern Africa, where it was utilized as an adhesive for hafting stone tools.
Hard transparent resins, such as copals, dammars, mastic, and sandarac, are mostly used for varnishes and adhesives. On the other hand, softer odoriferous oleo-resins and gum resins containing essential oils are more commonly used for therapeutic purposes, food, and incense. An example of this is the use of the resin from the Aleppo Pine in the production of retsina, a Greek wine flavored with resin.
Synthetic resins are materials that are converted into solids via various processes. For instance, bisphenol A diglycidyl ether is a resin that is converted into epoxy glue upon the addition of a hardener. Silicones are often produced from silicone resins through room temperature vulcanization, while alkyd resins are used in paints and varnishes and harden or cure by exposure to oxygen in the air.
What Is The Purpose Of Resin?
Resin plays a vital role in the composite material industry, as it acts as both glue and protection for the reinforcing fibers in reinforced polymer composites.
Resin is used to transfer stress between these fibers, hold them together, and protect them from external factors such as mechanical wear and environmental damage. Depending on their application, resins can be either thermoplastic or thermoset in nature.
Ultimately, resin provides strength and durability to the composite materials it helps form, making it an essential component of reinforced polymer compositions.
