Polyester resin

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Polyester resins are unsaturated synthetic resins formed by the reaction of dibasic organic acids and polyhydric
alcohols. Maleic Anhydride is a commonly used raw material with diacid functionality. Polyester resins are
used in sheet moulding compound, bulk moulding compound and the toner of laser printers. Wall panels
fabricated from polyester resins reinforced with fiberglass so-called fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP)
are typically used in restaurants, kitchens, restrooms and other areas that require washable low-maintenance
walls. Departments of Transportation in the USA also specify them for use as overlays on roads and bridges.
They are known as PCO Polyester Concrete Overlays. These are usually based on isophthalic acid and cut with
styrene at high levels - usually up to 50%. [1]

Unsaturated polyesters are condensation polymers formed by the reaction of polyols (also known as polyhydric
alcohols), organic compounds with multiple alcohol or hydroxy functional groups, with saturated or
unsaturated dibasic acids. Typical polyols used are glycols such as ethylene glycol; acids used are phthalic acid
and maleic acid. Water, a by-product of esterification reactions, is continuously removed, driving the reaction to
completion. The use of unsaturated polyesters and additives such as styrene lowers the viscosity of the resin.
The initially liquid resin is converted to a solid by cross-linking chains. This is done by creating free radicals at
unsaturated bonds, which propagate in a chain reaction to other unsaturated bonds in adjacent molecules,
linking them in the process. The initial free radicals are induced by adding a compound that easily decomposes
into free radicals. This compound is usually and incorrectly known as the catalyst [2]. Initiator is the more
correct term. Substances used are generally organic peroxides such as benzoyl peroxide or methyl ethyl ketone
peroxide.

Polyester resins are thermosetting and, as with other resins, cure exothermically. The use of excessive initiator
especially with a catalyst present can, therefore, cause charring or even ignition during the curing process.
Excessive catalyst may also cause the product to fracture or form a rubbery material.

Bio degradation
Lichens have been shown to deteriorate polyester resins, as can be seen in archaeological sites in the Roman
city of Baelo Claudia Spain.[3]

See also
Polyester
Thermosetting polymer
Thermoset polymer matrix
Styrene

References
1. http://dot.ca.gov/hq/esc/techpubs/manual/bridgemanuals/bridge-memo-to-designer/page/Section%208/8-5m.pdf
2. https://books.google.com/books?isbn=130585568X
3. Francesca Cappitelli; Claudia Sorlini (2008)."Microorganisms Attack Synthetic Polymers in Items Representing Our
Cultural Heritage" (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2227722) . Applied and Environmental
Microbiology. 74: 5649. PMC 2227722 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2227722) . PMID 18065627
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18065627). doi:10.1128/AEM.01768-07(https://doi.org/10.1128%2FAEM.0176
8-07).

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Categories: Polyesters Synthetic resins Thermosetting plastics

This page was last edited on 28 June 2017, at 21:09.

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