Rosin

Rosin is a solid form of resin obtained from pines and some other plants, mostly conifers, produced by heating fresh liquid resin to vaporize the volatile liquid terpene components. It is semi-transparent and varies in color from yellow to black. At room temperature, rosin is brittle, but it melts at stove-top temperature. It chiefly consists of different resin acids, especially abietic acid.

Uses

Rosin is used for a variety of applications ranging from string instrument bows to gymnastics grips. It is frequently applied to the bow hair of string instruments such as the violin, viola, and cello to increase the friction between the hair and the strings. In gymnastics, rosin is applied to gymnasts' hands to decrease slipping on apparatus.

Rosin is also used in printing inks, varnishes, adhesives(glues), soap, paper sizing, soda, soldering fluxes, and sealing wax.

Production

Rosin is the resinous constituent of the oleo-resin exuded by various species of pine, known in commerce as crude turpentine. The separation of the oleo-resin into the essential oil (spirit of turpentine) and common rosin is accomplished by distillation in large copper stills.

Health effects

Inhalation of rosin fumes by humans has been linked with various health effects such as irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract, and neurological effects. Long-term exposure to rosin fumes has also been associated with an increased risk of developing asthma.

See also

• Resin
• Abietic acid
• Turpentine

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