The manufacturing industry today utilizes a lot of different equipment and materials. In addition, many chemicals and additives are required in the process. One of the most important materials is resin and it can be wet strength resins or a number of other types. But what is this material and why is it so important today?
What is Resin?
Resin can be defined as a sticky and thick substance which behaves like gel or syrup. It is used as a polymer. Polymers have large molecules with the ability to group or chain together and they can give materials special properties like strength and flexibility. Resin is often part of a recipe to create a synthetic material. It is also utilized to produce new or enhanced properties. For example, to make artificial rubber, special polymers which mimic the structure of real rubber, are blended together. Resin can be from a plant source (organic) or created in the lab (synthetic).
Resin in Industry
Some of the most common resin used today is polyester type. It is cost effective and easy to use in most operations. However, it only works well for creating moderate properties. When heated it does put out emissions which could be considered toxic.
Epoxies and vinylesters are also commonly used. Vinylesters are resistant to many kinds of chemicals and more versatile than polyester. On the other hand, epoxies are heat resistant and often used as bonding agents.
Ketone Formaldehyde
Ketone formaldehyde resins are also known as water resistant or wet strength resins. They improve durability, adhesion, gloss and filling. Commonly seen in the paper and corrugated cardboard industry, ketone formaldehyde provides special properties to adhesives, inks, varnishes and paints. Here are some of the benefits it offers:
* Versatility
* Consistency
* Cost effective
* Resistance to moisture
* Adhesion
* Shelf life
* Compatibility – can be used with many types of cellulose and chlorine products as well as rubber and plasticizers.
* Shelf life – may be stored for as long as one year without problems.
What Else Can Resin Do?
Resin can take a good product and make it better. It produces better adhesives and stronger and more flexible surface protectors. For example, many top quality clear coat products owe their amazing properties to special resin additives. Whether you use epoxy, polyester or high tech wet strength resins, you can greatly enhance your products and your business with the right choice of materials.
