DifferenceBetween.com

Compare and Discern the Clear Difference Between Any Similar Things

Home » Difference Between Resin and Polymer

Difference Between Resin and Polymer

December 9, 2011 Posted by Dunee

Resin vs Polymer
 

Monomers are building blocks of polymers. They can be simple or a complex molecule with double bonds or another functional group like –OH, -NH2, –COOH, etc. The unsaturated double bonds or functional groups are needed in the polymerization process, when several monomers are linking to form a polymer. These can be natural or synthetic. Synthetic compounds are produced to mimic the natural compounds, and now they are widely in use. Resin is a natural monomeric compound, which has a synthetic counterpart too.

Polymers

Polymers are large molecules, with repeating structural units of monomers. These monomers are bonded to each other with covalent bonds to form a polymer. They have a high molecular weight and consist over 10,000 atoms. In the synthesis process, which is known as polymerization, longer polymer chains are obtained. There are two main types of polymers depending on their synthesis methods. If the monomers have double bonds between carbons, from addition reactions polymers can be synthesized. These polymers are known as addition polymers. In some of the polymerization reactions, when two monomers are joined, a small molecule like water is removed. Such polymers are condensation polymers. Polymers have very different physical and chemical properties than their monomers. Moreover, according to the number of repeating units in the polymer, properties differ. There are a large number of polymers present in the natural environment, and they play very important roles. Synthetic polymers are also used widely for different purposes. Polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, nylon, Bakelite are some of the synthetic polymers. When producing synthetic polymers, the process should be highly controlled to get the desired product always. Synthetic polymers are used as adhesives, lubricants, paints, films, fibers, plastic goods, etc.

Resin

Resin is naturally produced by plants. This is a viscous liquid with clear or dark brown color. In some plant, plant sap contains resins. Though these are liquids and viscous, they can be hardened when treated with chemicals. The level of hardness varies depending on the plant that produces resin. Resin does not dissolve in water, but it dissolves in alcohol. There are various classes of resin and the chemical composition differs in each other. Mainly they are composed of terpenes, which are volatile. Because of the terpenes, resins get a characteristic odor. Most commonly bicyclic terpenes are present in resins like alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, delta-3 carene and sabinene. Other than these there are monocyclic (limonene) and tricyclic terpenes (sesquiterpenes, longifolene) too. Further, there are some non-volatile solid substances in small amounts, which are responsible for making the resin thick and sticky. These individual compounds in a resin can be separated by fractional distillation.

There are many applications for resins. We have used plant resins for thousands of years. For examples, they are used as a component of perfume, varnish, lacquer, jewelry etc. Resins are not only natural, now scientists have found a way to produce them synthetically too. Synthetic resins are used as a monomer, to produce polymers. Synthetic resins are more stable and uniform than natural resins. They are used in the production of plastics, paints; also, to produce objects, which are produced using natural resins.

 

What is the difference between Polymer and Resin?

• Polymers have a large molecular weight since their chains are longer. Comparatively, resins have a smaller molecular weight and smaller chain molecules.

• Polymers can be made up of resins.

 

Related posts:

Difference Between Polymer and PlasticDifference Between Polymer and Plastic Difference Between Polymer and BiopolymerDifference Between Polymer and Biopolymer Difference Between Copolymer and HomopolymerDifference Between Copolymer and Homopolymer Difference Between Polymer and MonomerDifference Between Polymer and Monomer Difference Between Polyurethane and Urethane

Filed Under: Chemistry Tagged With: addition polymers, condensation polymers, polymer, Polymers, resin, resins, Synthetic polymers

About the Author: Dunee

Comments

  1. Dee Beal says

    October 25, 2017 at 2:40 pm

    Thank you, this was very helpful. Teaching a high school art class about acrylics and needed a quick lesson on the chemistry involved.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Request Article

Featured Posts

Difference Between Alzheimers and Dementia

Difference Between Alzheimers and Dementia

Difference Between Which and What

Difference Between Which and What

Difference Between To and For in English Grammar

Difference Between To and For in English Grammar

Difference Between Then and Than in English Grammar

Difference Between Then and Than in English Grammar

You May Like

Difference Between Active and Passive Immunity

Difference Between Ovarian Cyst and Ovarian Cancer

Difference Between Ovarian Cyst and Ovarian Cancer

Difference Between Gout and Arthritis

Difference Between Investment and Merchant Banking

Difference Between Samsung Focus S and Focus Flash

Difference Between Samsung Focus S and Focus Flash

Latest Posts

  • Difference Between Verandah and Balcony
  • Difference Between Starch and Flour
  • Difference Between Rice Flour and Wheat Flour
  • Difference Between Proverbs and Quotes
  • Difference Between Past Perfect and Past Perfect Continuous
  • Difference Between Cell Division and Nuclear Division
  • Home
  • Vacancies
  • About
  • Request Article
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2010-2018 Difference Between. All rights reserved. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy: Legal.