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What is Resin Adhesive?

B. Turner
B. Turner

To understand what a resin adhesive is, it is helpful to first understand what resins are. Traditionally, the term resin was used to describe the sticky, mineral-rich secretion that is found in many types of plants and trees. Today, the term primarily refers to synthetic polymer compounds that have similar properties to tree and plant resin. These polymer compounds are created in laboratories, and may contain different types of polymers depending on the application. When these synthetic resins are mixed with a hardening compound, the two materials combine to form a resin adhesive.

A resin adhesive is an extremely strong and durable adhesive. Once it is applied, it forms a very tight and strong bond extremely quickly. The resin adhesive will not shrink or contract due to temperature or humidity changes, and is resistant to damage from UV rays. These adhesives are able to resist high levels of heat as well as a wide variety of chemicals. Unlike many other types of bonding agents, they are also extremely moisture-resistant, and can be used in all types of underwater applications.

Plant resin.
Plant resin.

Resin adhesive products can be used on almost any type of material, including metal, glass, plastic, ceramics, and stone. They are widely used in the construction industry to join various building materials, and are also used in the production of composite products such as fiberglass panels or doors. Due to their high level of moisture-resistance, resin adhesives also play an important role in the marine industry, and are one of the primary bonding agents used in boat construction. These adhesives are also used in the aeronautical industry because of their high strength-to-weight ratio.

Urea formaldehyde resin is commonly used as an adhesive in the fiberboard industry.
Urea formaldehyde resin is commonly used as an adhesive in the fiberboard industry.

Resin adhesives are used in many manufacturing facilities, particularly those that produce electronics and mechanical equipment. Epoxy resins can be used to join small components with little risk of failure for many years. They are also used to coat many different types of food packaging to keep air and moisture out. This keeps the food fresh and helps to prevent mold growth.

Epoxy resin may be valuable for repairing leather objects.
Epoxy resin may be valuable for repairing leather objects.

There are several things to consider when using a resin adhesive. First, one must be prepared to mix the resin and hardener in precise ratios. These two materials should not be mixed until just before they are applied, as they will tend to dry very quickly at room temperature.

It is important to take precautions against potential health risks from using these materials. Most resin adhesives contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals, which include urea formaldehyde in most cases, can cause short-term illnesses and may also contribute to poor indoor air quality. The room should be well-ventilated when mixing or applying a resin adhesive to help the user avoid adverse health affects.

Discussion Comments

bluedolphin

@fBoyle-- You might not have a resin adhesive that is quick setting. There are actually resin adhesives on the market that take longer to set. Some people prefer this depending on the type of project they're working on. It's possible that you purchased the wrong type.

If you do have the quick setting variety, then the proportions may not have worked out right. The resin and the hardener have to be mixed together in the correct amounts or the resin may never set. Follow the directions carefully and try again. Once you've applied the two ingredients, you will need to hold the pieces together as the resin sets. So you can't let go immediately.

fBoyle

I just used resin adhesive today to fix a broken plastic toy. I was expecting it to harden and stick right away but that wasn't the case. I waited ten minutes and the piece still didn't stick. I followed the directions, so I'm not sure what went wrong.

stoneMason

Resin adhesives are becoming more and more popular thanks to their durability and wide rang of use. Before, super glue was the go-to glue in most households. But super glue has poor durability when compared o resin adhesive and it doesn't work on all types of materials.

I've been using resin adhesive (also called "epoxy" glue) around the house for the past few years and I'm pleased. I've been able to glue together practically any kind of material with success and the results have been permanent.

I think resin adhesive was more common in construction before. But now the small kits with the resin adhesive and hardener together, has made it easy for everyone to use it.

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    • Plant resin.
      By: unpict
      Plant resin.
    • Urea formaldehyde resin is commonly used as an adhesive in the fiberboard industry.
      By: Voyagerix
      Urea formaldehyde resin is commonly used as an adhesive in the fiberboard industry.
    • Epoxy resin may be valuable for repairing leather objects.
      By: Sergey Len'
      Epoxy resin may be valuable for repairing leather objects.