Polyterpenes
Properties and Applications
Terpene resins
are derived from terpentine oil extracted from pine wood or citrus fruits. The
most important grades are pinene-based polyterpenes. They are low
molecular weight thermoplastic polymers that possess a light color, excellent heat stability, and are compatible with a large number of polymers. Polyterpenes impart excellent wetting, tack and peel adhesion and possess a high amount of biorenewable content. They are, however, less often used then hydrocarbon resins due to their higher price.
The main markets for polyterpenes are chewing gum, adhesives, tapes and agricultural retention aids and stickers for herbicides and pesticides. They also find limited use in paints, inks, sealants and caulks.