Synthetic resins: production, composition, structure and scope

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Chemicals are used at different stages of the production process and in everyday life. One of these varieties are synthetic resins. These substances differ in composition and scope. The purpose of artificial resins can be very diverse. Depending on the method of production and composition, their main characteristics are determined. Artificial resins will be discussed later.

General Description

The production of synthetic resins began actively at the beginning of the last century. Artificial polymers have a number of characteristic differences from natural varieties. The fact is that the composition created by man has special properties. They can be set at the manufacturing stage. Formulations can vary significantly, which determines their scope.

Today, about 5 tons of artificial polymers are produced in the world every year. Synthetic resins and plastics are obtained from the processing of coal, oil, gas or other natural components. Chemical compounds that are obtained in this way have a low molecular weight. Moreover, they can be produced not only in the form of a sticky thick mixture. It can also be a powder or a granular substance.

Synthetic and natural resins, hardening, provide high-quality adhesion to different materials. In polymer compositions, this characteristic is more pronounced. When the artificial resin hardens, it can form excellent adhesion to concrete, metal, glass and other building materials. The curing process in this case occurs under the influence of high temperatures or catalysts. In some cases, pressing is additionally used in the process of creating a high-quality connection.

Some artificial compounds only need time to cure. The result is a substance resistant to various adverse conditions, which is not afraid of temperature changes, mechanical influences. They are not destroyed by water, alkali, acid, gasoline or oil.

Such features determine the scope of the presented formulations. They are stable, unlike natural analogues, are characterized by high performance. The scope of their application is extensive.

Production Features

Synthetic resin is a polymer that is obtained during certain chemical reactions. As a result, a high-molecular compound is produced with a given set ofqualities. Resins of artificial origin are obtained as a result of polycondensation or polymerization. These two processes are based on different principles.

Polymerization is a series of reactions during which a given number of elementary constituents are combined into complex molecules. In this case, no by-products are formed.

Polycondensation is a process in which simple molecules are converted into complex compounds, creating organic substances. This happens by creating new carbon bonds with other atoms.

Today, both types of resins are used in different areas of human activity. The choice of material type depends on the requirements for the result of the work performed. During the production of synthetic resins and plastics, two types of compounds are obtained:

• thermoactive;
• thermoplastic.

Thermosetting resins of artificial origin are a substance that can melt only in a certain temperature range. If the environment does not correspond to the given framework, the substance becomes infusible and insoluble. Moreover, a similar property appears both with an increase and a decrease in temperature above the established limit.

Thermoplastic resin of artificial origin retains plasticity and fusibility under any conditions. Depending on the type of feedstock, production method, emulsion, powder, granules, blocks or sheets of polymeric material can be obtained.

Application

Synthetic and natural resins are used in various fields of human activity. But artificial options have become more widespread due to their special qualities. It is easier to list areas where such substances are not used than vice versa. The scope of their use is extensive.

One of the main applications of synthetic resins is the production of varnishes, paints, adhesives, and abrasives. Due to their ability to polymerize, such substances have special properties that are required in the manufacture of artificial stone, plastic, and PVC.

Due to its good adhesion, the resin forms a quality bond with concrete, metal, glass, and a whole list of other materials. Artificial polymer compounds are resistant to various adverse conditions.

There are many materials based on synthetic resins. Today, artificial stone is made from polymers. Various products are made from it, such as window sills, sinks, countertops and various furniture.

From such materials a monolithic floor covering is created. Synthetic resins are also used in woodworking. They allow you to create a high-quality coating for natural materials. In construction, various branches of industrial production, a variety of resins of artificial origin are used. Even in medicine and the beauty industry, such compounds have found their application.

Epoxy resins

Many types of synthetic resins are produced today. The most famous and widely used polymer compositions should be considered in more detail.

One of the most popular varieties is epoxy resin. The composition may have a liquid consistency or be produced in solid form. This substance is colorless. Epoxy resins are two-component, require the use of a hardener. Without a catalyst, the composition will not harden. To polymerize faster, you need to increase the temperature of the resin.

Epoxy has good adhesion. This allows you to fasten ceramics, metal, faience and a number of other materials. In its pure form, epoxy is similar to honey.

This substance is obtained during the polycondensation of phenol and epilchloridrin. Amines and alcohols also participate in the reaction. In this category, there are several substances that differ somewhat in their qualities. So, polyepoxides have a low density and are able to bond well with metal, stone. At the same time, the material practically does not shrink, it is resistant to acid.

Non-curing type epoxy dians are thermosetting synthetic resins. They can be yellow to brown in color. Viscosity may vary. These are materials that can be either liquid or solid. Epoxy-Dian resin dissolves in dioxane, ethers.

Cured epoxy resins are insoluble. Polyamides, phenol-formaldehydes, etc. can be used as a catalyst.

Epoxy resins are used in the production of adhesives that are used to create strong bonds between natural stone, concrete, ceramics, etc.

Polyester and acrylic resins

In the production of synthetic resins and plastics, such a variety as polyester compounds stands out. This material is created during the processing of alcohols. Such a resin allows you to create a less durable connection than an epoxy compound. But due to the peculiarities of production, polyester varieties are cheaper. At the same time, these resins are easier to work with.

The largest consumers of this type of products are the automotive and shipbuilding industries, the production of lighting equipment. Polyester resins are also needed in the production of partitions, showers and window sills. The presented material is easy to bend after hardening, can be painted with appropriate compounds.

Acrylic synthetic resins are used in the production of plastics, mosaics, artificial stone. Also, such compositions are widely used in the course of construction and repair work in bathrooms, showers, in the arrangement of fountains, showers and other things. Acrylic resin hardens quickly. The material is less toxic than the previously listed formulations.

Acrylic resins are used as an independent material or in the manufacture of other compositions. They add sand, marble chips, as well as various pigments. Therefore, acrylic can have a variety of shades. A maximum of 50% additional components can be added to this resin.

Acrylic requires a hardener. After the polymerization process, the composition is completely non-porous, which significantly improves performance. This greatly expands the scope of the material. Due to the absence of pores in the composition, the product will not be painted when coloring substances enter the surface. If the countertop is made of acrylic, beet juice will not leave a mark on it. The material is able to withstand heating up to 70 ºС. Molds for the manufacture of such products are made of plaster, silicone or glass.

Polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride resins

When comparing natural and synthetic resins, the latter have much more positive performance. This category includes many other varieties of compositions.

Often in modern industry, polyethylene resins are made and used. They have high rates of flexibility, which is maintained even with a significant decrease in temperature (down to -60 ºС). Materials made of polyethylene resins are waterproof, not subject to the negative effects of aggressive chemicals. Therefore, the presented variety of resins is used to create a waterproofing film, as well as plumbing communications. Polyethylene resins are used to make pipelines for chemically active substances, as well as items for medical, sanitary and hygienic equipment.

Another popular variety today are polypropylene resins. They are obtained during the polymerization of propylene. This is a gas that is obtained in the process of cracking products.oil refining industry. Based on synthetic resins, polypropylene is used to make pipes, decorative materials, gas-tight films, as well as parts for chemical equipment.

Another type of resin known in modern industry is polyvinyl chloride. It is obtained during polymerization. The process uses vinyl chloride, a gas that smells like ether and is colorless.

PVC resin is produced in the form of granules. The material is resistant to high temperatures, does not lose its qualities in the cold. It also has dielectric properties. This material is widely used for the production of waterproofing, linoleum, films for stretch ceilings, decorative materials, etc.

Polyisobutyl, polystyrene, vinyl acetate

Polyisobutyl resins are widely used by modern industry, which are obtained in the process of polymerization at a temperature of about 100 ºС. This material resembles rubber in appearance. It is elastic, used as an anti-corrosion component. It does not allow water to pass through, so metal surfaces are reliably protected from oxidative reactions. Varnishes and mastics are made from polyisobutylene.

Polystyrene synthetic resins are obtained through a polymerization process. The result is a colorless resin, which is used for the production of enamels, latex, and waterproofing films. Insulating materials are also created from the polymer.

Polyvinyl acetate resins arepolymers created from an ester of acetic acid and vinyl alcohol. It is a colorless liquid with high mobility.

The material is not resistant to alkalis and acids. Polyvinyl acetate swells slightly in water. It is soluble in esters and alcohols, as well as aromatic hydrocarbons.

Material allows you to create a strong connection of stone, glass. Therefore, polyvinyl acetate is widely used in the production of varnishes and adhesives. In the interior decoration of the building, these materials are also widely used.

Polyacrylate resins

On the basis of acrylic resin, polyacrylate compounds are produced, adding methacrylic acid during production. This is a vitreous transparent mass, which is used in the production of various films, solutions. For example, polyacrylate is used to create a material that is coated on concrete to make it water-repellent. It is also used to make various primers for interior work.

Polycondensation polymers are produced in a special way. In the course of such a process, a high-molecular substance is formed by combining a significant number of molecules of the same or different types. For this, low molecular weight components are mixed. The reaction occurs with the release of water, ammonia, hydrogen chloride.

Formaldehyde group

Considering the varieties of synthetic resins, you should also pay attention to the formaldehyde group. One such substance is phenol formaldehyde. Thisresin is obtained by combining various phenols and formaldehyde.

The result is a substance that is highly durable and resistant to high temperatures. This material is used in the production of fibreboard, chipboard. He is also involved in the production of laminates, adhesives, mastics, varnishes.

The most famous materials based on phenol-formaldehyde resins are bakelite varnish, polymer B. This material allows you to create chemical-resistant coatings, used in hot bonding of asbestos cement, when bonding various building materials.

Aminoformaldehyde compounds are obtained by polycondensation of melamine and formaldehyde with urea. At the same time, strictly regulated conditions are created. The result is a colorless substance that is relatively inexpensive. It is used to create thermal insulation, adhesives and laminates.

Polyurethane resins

Polyurethane resins are crystalline type polymers. They are characterized by high melting qualities. These resins are obtained by the reaction of diisocnanates and polyhydric alcohols. The substance melts at low temperature, has a slight hygroscopicity. The polyurethane resin is weather, oxygen, ozone, alkali and acid resistant.

Polyurethanes are used to create adhesives. They are used for gluing stone slabs, otherbuilding materials.

Many polymers are used in construction, woodworking, engineering and other industries of modern production. They have the required qualities, creating durable, strong connections, waterproof coatings.