Tree resins
From Floor Coverings
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What is tree resin?
Tree resin is a thick, clear and sticky liquid that runs down the tree trunk or drips from tree branches. Another common name for plant resin is pitch. Pitch is black in color and 100 billion times thicker than water. Tree resins are secretions of an organic compound, mainly hydrogen and carbon that come from mostly coniferous varieties of trees. These are trees that bear cones for seeds like cedars, pines and spruces. The secretions or sap like substance is mainly used in making varnishes and adhesives.
What is tree resin used for?
Tree resins also find uses in perfume, nail polish and incense. Tree resins have a very long history and are mentioned in the Bible as frankincense and myrrh. These forms of tree resins were incense products that were used in religious ceremonies. Ancient Greek and Roman writings also mention these substances in religious rites. The amber that is famous for capturing insects is a fossilized tree resin. When tree resins are distilled to remove the hydrocarbons, it becomes solidified and is called rosin in this state. Rosins are used for coating stringed instruments and ballet dancers use rosin on their shoes to prevent slipping.
Is tree resin flammable?
Certain types of trees, like the Jeffrey Pine and the Gray pine produce a very flammable type of tree resin that is almost pure heptane. This type of resin cannot be distilled because it will more than likely explode. In fact, this happened in some distilleries in California that mistook Jeffrey Pines for Ponderosa Pines that produce mostly terpene type tree resins. Heptane and terpene are the substances in tree resins that contain solvent properties. Heptane is flammable, however, terpene is not. Vitamin A is an example of a terpene. Other essential oils of plants and trees that contain terpene are used as flavor additives for foods and as aromas for perfumes.
Are tree resins a natural pesticide?
Research is being conducted whereby the terpenes in tree resins might be useful as a natural pesticide. Other eco-friendly aspects of tree resin is its biodegradable features, since it originates from organic materials and is easily broken down and transformed back into the natural occurring eco-systems.
Are tree resins used in linoleum flooring?
Tree resins when mixed with linseed oil and other materials forms the base for linoleum flooring. Resins are also used to coat skateboards to add durability and prevent them from cracking. Synthetic forms of tree resins are made by combining certain types of organic compounds to achieve a chemical reaction. Some examples of these are epoxy resins, which are two times stronger than concrete and are used mainly in industrial flooring as an adhesive.
