합성수지(synthetic resin)란?

합성수지(synthetic resin)는 인위적으로 합성된 고분자 화합물로, 천연 고무나 고분자에 대한 대체재로 널리 사용되는 플라스틱 소재입니다. 합성수지는 원료로부터 합성 과정을 거쳐 제조되며, 다양한 물성과 용도를 가지고 있어 건설, 자동차, 전자, 의료 등 여러 산업 분야에서 활용됩니다.

합성수지는 크게 열가소성 수지와 열경화성 수지로 나눌 수 있습니다.
1. 열가소성 수지(Thermoplastic Resin): 가열하면 연하고 가공이 가능한 수지로, 냉각 후 다시 원래의 물성으로 돌아옵니다. 반복적인 가열 및 냉각 과정에도 견디는 특성 때문에 다양한 가공 방법으로 제품을 만들 수 있습니다. 대표적인 열가소성 수지로는 폴리에틸렌(PE), 폴리프로필렌(PP), 폴리비닐클로라이드(PVC), 폴리스티렌(PS), 폴리카보네이트(PC) 등이 있습니다.
2. 열경화성 수지(Thermosetting Resin): 한 번 가열하여 경화된 후에는 다시 가열하더라도 원래의 물성으로 돌아오지 않는 수지입니다. 열에 강하고 높은 강도를 가지며, 전기 절연성이 우수하여 전자 부품 등에 활용됩니다. 대표적인 열경화성 수지로는 에폭시 수지, 페놀 수지, 멜라민 수지, 우레아 수지 등이 있습니다.

합성수지는 가벼운 무게, 내구성, 저렴한 비용, 다양한 가공 방법 등의 이점으로 인해 많은 산업 분야에서 활용되고 있습니다. 그러나 환경 오염 문제와 비분해성으로 인한 지속 가능성에 대한 우려가 있어 친환경 소재 개발에도 많은 노력이 기울어지고 있습니다.
 
A synthetic resin is an artificially synthesized polymeric compound, a plastic material that is widely used as an alternative to natural rubber or polymers. Synthetic resins are manufactured through a process of synthesis from raw materials and have a wide range of properties and uses, with applications in many industries, including construction, automotive, electronics, and medical.

Synthetic resins can be broadly categorized into thermoplastics and thermosets.
1. Thermoplastic Resin: A resin that is soft and processable when heated, and returns to its original properties after cooling. Its ability to withstand repeated heating and cooling allows products to be made using a variety of processing methods. Common thermoplastics include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), and polycarbonate (PC).
2. Thermosetting Resin: A resin that, once heated and hardened, does not return to its original properties when reheated. It is resistant to heat, has high strength, and is an excellent electrical insulator, so it is used in electronic components. Typical thermosetting resins include epoxy resins, phenolic resins, melamine resins, and urea resins.

Synthetic resins are utilized in many industries due to their advantages such as light weight, durability, low cost, and various processing methods. However, due to concerns about environmental pollution and sustainability due to their non-degradability, many efforts are being made to develop eco-friendly materials.