resin
Sign in to savethumb|right|Insect trapped in resin thumb|upright|Cedar of Lebanon cone showing flecks of resin as used in the [[mummification of Egyptian Pharaohs ]]
AI overview
Resin is a sticky substance produced by plants like cedar trees that hardens over time and has been used historically for purposes like mummification. It's notable for its ability to preserve materials, as seen in amber where insects can become trapped and preserved for long periods.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Article
13 sectionsContents
- Composition
- Examples
- Rosin
- Petroleum- and insect-derived resins
- History and etymology
- Non-resinous exudates
- Uses
- Plant resins
- Animal resins
- Synthetic resins
- See also
- References
- External links
thumb|right|Insect trapped in resin thumb|upright|Cedar of Lebanon cone showing flecks of resin as used in the [[mummification of Egyptian Pharaohs ]]
A resin is a solid or highly viscous liquid that can be converted into a polymer. Resins may be biological or synthetic in origin, but are typically harvested from plants. Resins are mixtures of organic compounds insoluble in water, predominantly terpenes. Technically, resins should not be confused with gums, which consist predominantly of water-soluble polysaccharides, although these two terms are often interchangeable in the less formal context. Common resins include pine oleoresins, amber, hashish, frankincense, myrrh and the animal-derived resin, shellac. Resins are used in varnishes, adhesives, food additives, incenses and perfumes.