Ever painted your fence only to find, a few weeks later, that your flawless palisade has been sullied by spots of viscous goo? Perhaps you used to climb trees as a child, but gave up on the pastime after being relentlessly chided by your parents for ruining your clothes and making laundry day even more of a chore? Or maybe you’ve wondered, come Christmas, what Myrrh and Frankincense really smell like?
If you’ve answered yes to any of the above, you’ve encountered or thought about resin – but likely only barely scratched its sticky surface. Indeed, resins are hugely important to our world and have all manner of applications, primarily in industry. In this expert guide, we explore which utilise resin, and shine a light on this oft-misunderstood material.
Electronics
Due to its lightweight nature, resin can be used to help protect electrical components. Polycarbonate, also known as PC resin, is an engineered plastic resin that’s specifically formulated to be lightweight, temperature resistant, and shock absorbent.
Truly a wonder material, these properties simply can’t be found in rigid or natural materials, which is why electronics manufacturers use plenty of PC to coat printed circuit boards, protect smartphone screens, and form the cases of products like games consoles.
Automotive
Resins can be used in the automotive arena too. From mechanics to modders, all sorts of experts use epoxy resin to coat bumpers, rocker panels, and exterior paintwork to protect from bumps, scrapes and knicks.
And if the worst does happen and a dastardly driver decides to kick off a one-sided game of bumper cars, the cracks in your prized auto can be quickly and effectively covered, ready for repair. What’s more, epoxy resin can also be used inside the car too, helping fix components like steering wheels.
Crafting
Over the past few years there’s been a huge boost in small startups and side-hustlers using resin as a base to create everything from jewellery to home goods. There are lots of different techniques crafters can master to make the most out of epoxy, though it should be noted most resins are not food safe, so shouldn’t be used to make tableware.
Aviation
Resin’s low weight makes it perfect for use in creating and repairing aircraft parts. Modern aircraft, including fighter jets, use resins to bond together materials like carbon fibre and fibreglass, creating extremely durable and chemically resistant in the process. Next time you’re off on holiday, make sure to doff your cap to one of the many wondrous materials keeping you afloat: resin!
Resin is a hugely important material but has so many other uses. Do you know any others? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.