In this blog post, we explore the origins and development of synthetic resin, which permeates every corner of our daily lives, and consider its potential and value within future industries and the environment.
This morning, I woke up again on a soft and plush mattress. This mattress provides me with a comfortable place to sleep every night. I specifically chose this mattress because of its special expanded polystyrene material, which provides proper spinal support while naturally conforming to the body’s contours. As soon as I wake up, I grab the PET bottle of mineral water beside the mattress and gulp down the water. The refreshing coolness of the water, combined with the crispness of the morning, always puts me in a good mood.
Soft morning sunlight streams through the large window in my room, bathing the entire space in a warm yellow glow. This window isn’t just simple glass; it’s made of polycarbonate material that effectively blocks light and provides insulation in winter. This allows me to maintain a comfortable indoor environment year-round. Today is Sunday. As the most leisurely day of the week, Sunday holds special meaning for me. After taking my new bike, purchased for its exceptionally comfortable saddle, for a spin around the neighborhood, I plan to meet friends for a game of pool after a long time. This bike features a lightweight aluminum frame and a saddle made of polyurethane and TechnoGel, reducing fatigue even during long rides. I intend to take this new bike for a ride, meet friends, and play pool.
Though this is merely a brief, simple recounting of my utterly ordinary daily life, even in this short story, synthetic resins are deeply involved in our lives here and there, fulfilling their role as hidden helpers. The expanded polystyrene mattress that let me sleep comfortably all night, the polyethylene terephthalate water bottle that quenched my thirst in the morning, the polycarbonate window that let the morning sunlight softly fill the room, the polyurethane and technogel padding in the bicycle, and even the clear sound the billiard balls make when they collide. In the small details of our daily lives, synthetic resins play vital roles without drawing attention to themselves.
Yet few have likely considered where these synthetic resins originated or how they evolved. Like all human inventions, synthetic resins did not appear overnight. Its origins trace back to the white liquid, latex, harvested from the para rubber tree used by South American indigenous peoples. This natural rubber struggled to maintain its shape and was sensitive to temperature, limiting its everyday use. However, the situation changed dramatically in the 20th century with the advent of synthetic rubber, driven by advances in science and technology. A new material and paradigm called synthetic resin was born, and it began to influence many aspects of our lives.
As the era of synthetic resin dawned, new types of synthetic resins continued to be developed. Why could synthetic resins be developed in such diverse ways? The secret lies in the monomers, the basic building blocks of synthetic resins. Monomers, simply put, act like Lego blocks. These monomers combine to form long chains, and as these chains intertwine and entangle, polymers are formed—this is synthetic resin. Just as assembling Lego blocks in different ways creates diverse structures, combining monomers in different ways allows for the creation of synthetic resins with varied properties.
Now, let’s delve a bit deeper into the factors that determine the properties and types of synthetic resins. While the type of monomer fundamentally dictates the type of synthetic resin, it’s not the only factor. Beyond the monomer, the introduction of co-monomers, chain length, chain arrangement, and the use of additives are also key factors determining the properties of synthetic resins. For example, auxiliary monomers add units with different properties from the main monomers, imparting new characteristics. Just as LEGO blocks come in various colors and sizes, using different auxiliary monomers allows the creation of synthetic resins with entirely different properties.
The role of additives is also indispensable. Additives are crucial elements that compensate for the shortcomings of synthetic resins and impart additional properties. Additives can be broadly categorized into four types. First, flame retardants reduce the flammability and combustibility of synthetic resins. For example, chlorine or bromine compounds reduce flammability, while phosphorus compounds mitigate combustibility. Second, plasticizers enhance the flexibility of synthetic resins, enabling their use in a wider range of applications. Phthalates and epoxides are representative examples of plasticizers. Third, fillers increase the volume of synthetic resins, improving cost-effectiveness. Finally, stabilizers protect synthetic resins from damage caused by external factors such as ultraviolet light, oxygen, and heat.
These diverse elements determine the properties of synthetic resins, enabling them to undergo extensive transformations and continuous development. The potential for synthetic resin advancement is limitless. For instance, recent developments include synthetic resins stronger than steel, leading to their use in high-performance components like aircraft wings. While materials obtainable from nature have limitations, synthetic resins open up boundless possibilities that transcend those limits. For instance, if a material is needed that is lightweight, elastic, heat-resistant, and electrically conductive, finding such a substance in nature would be difficult, but it can be created using synthetic resins. In this way, synthetic resins have essentially granted humans ‘divine power’.
Of course, synthetic resins also have their problems. Synthetic resins like PET bottles and plastic bags take a long time to decompose naturally, often making them a prime culprit in environmental pollution. However, there are ways to overcome these issues. Currently, many solutions through recycling are being researched, and the development of biodegradable synthetic resins is also actively underway. If these efforts bear fruit, synthetic resins can achieve harmony with the environment and drive more sustainable development.
Today, many people live unaware of how deeply synthetic resins permeate our lives and how crucial their role is. But what if we started paying a little more attention to the synthetic resins hidden throughout our daily lives, even now? This small act of awareness could be the first step toward a better future.
