No, synthetic resin is not plastic itself, but it is the primary raw material used to make plastic.
Understanding Synthetic Resin and Plastic
According to the reference provided, synthetic resin, often simply called resin, is an artificial synthesized high molecular polymer. It serves as the fundamental component in the production of plastic.
The Relationship: Raw Material to Product
The reference clearly states that synthetic resin is the basic raw material of plastic. Plastic is essentially the finished product derived from this resin. The composition of plastic typically consists significantly of synthetic resin, making up 30% to 60% or more of its total content.
Because plastic is made from synthetic resin, different types of plastic are often named after the specific synthetic resin used in their manufacture. This highlights the foundational role resin plays in determining the properties and type of the resulting plastic.
Why This Distinction is Important
Recognizing that synthetic resin is the raw material and plastic is the final product helps clarify the manufacturing process and the chemical nature of these materials. It shows that plastic is a compound or material formulated using resin, among other potential additives, rather than the resin itself being the final usable plastic form.