Resin
Resin (colloquially pitch) is an exudate produced by a number of plants, especially coniferous trees, containing mainly hydrocarbons.
Fossilized resin is called amber. Synthetic products with similar properties are also referred to as resins. Resins also contain tree needles; some species even secrete it directly from the needles (spiny pine). In addition to the natural resins mentioned above, there are also a number of synthetic resins. The resin flows into the wood material through the resin channels and naturally protects the trees when the bark or wood is injured, as well as against parasitic insects such as the bark beetle. If the insect penetrates under the bark, the sap starts to flow in the damaged area, the resin sticks to the insect and seals its breathing holes. Healthy trees are thus able to defend themselves against attack by the bark beetle. Conversely, weakened or diseased trees produce little resin and are susceptible to bark beetles.
Aroma: The aroma is described as woody, resinous and spicy, with aromatic accents. The fragrance is quite sweet and has a woody character that could be similar to sandalwood.
USE:
✅Perfume and cosmetics industry
✅It is used, for example, to make varnishes, glues or incense and perfumes.
✅Due to its high flammability, the resin was previously used to make torches.
✅Today, hard resins such as copal are used for the production of varnishes and adhesives.
✅Softer resins containing essential oils, on the other hand, are used in the production of medicines and incense.
✅They are also used to impregnate dielectrics, which improves their mechanical and electrical properties when used, for example, in capacitors, conductor insulation, etc.
✅Heated fresh resin produces rosin, which is used to adjust the bows of stringed instruments and when soldering.
✅Fossil resin of prehistoric trees takes the form of copal (subfossil) or amber (fossil).
✅Amber is mainly used in jewellery, but it is also important in paleontology and other scientific fields.