Unsaturated Polyester
What is Unsaturated Polyester?
Unsaturated Polyester (UP) is a versatile thermosetting resin widely used in composite materials, coatings, and adhesives. It offers excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and durability while being cost-effective for industrial applications.
Key Features of Our Unsaturated Polyester Resins
- High strength-to-weight ratio
- Superior corrosion resistance
- Excellent dimensional stability
- Low shrinkage during curing
- UV and weather resistance
- Good electrical insulation properties
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Standard Grade | Marine Grade | Fire Retardant | High Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viscosity (25°C, mPa·s) | 300-500 | 350-550 | 400-600 | 200-400 |
| Gel Time (25°C, min) | 15-25 | 20-30 | 18-28 | 12-20 |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 60 | 55 | 50 | 80 |
| Flexural Strength (MPa) | 100 | 95 | 85 | 120 |
| HDT (°C) | 70 | 65 | 60 | 85 |
Applications of Unsaturated Polyester
- Construction: Panels, pipes, tanks
- Marine: Boat hulls, decks
- Automotive: Body panels, components
- Electrical: Insulating components
- Consumer Goods: Furniture, sanitary ware
Unsaturated Polyester FAQs
Q: What is the shelf life of Unsaturated Polyester resin?
A: The typical shelf life of our Unsaturated Polyester resins is 6 months when stored properly in sealed containers at temperatures between 15-25°C. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and moisture to maintain optimal quality.
Q: How does Unsaturated Polyester compare to epoxy resins?
A: While both are thermosetting resins, Unsaturated Polyester offers several advantages including lower cost, faster curing times, and better chemical resistance to acids. However, epoxy generally provides superior adhesion and mechanical properties in high-performance applications.
Q: What safety precautions should be taken when handling Unsaturated Polyester?
A: Proper ventilation, nitrile gloves, and safety goggles should always be used. The styrene in Unsaturated Polyester can cause irritation, so respiratory protection may be required in confined spaces. Always refer to the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for specific handling instructions.
Curing Process
The curing of Unsaturated Polyester involves cross-linking through free radical polymerization, typically initiated by organic peroxides. The process can be accelerated with heat or suitable accelerators, allowing customization of cure times from minutes to hours depending on application requirements.
Quality Assurance
Our Unsaturated Polyester resins undergo rigorous quality testing including viscosity measurements, gel time tests, mechanical property evaluation, and chemical resistance assessments. We maintain ISO 9001 certification to ensure consistent product quality.
Custom Formulations
We offer customized Unsaturated Polyester formulations to meet specific requirements including:
- Special colors or opacity levels
- Modified viscosity for specific applications
- Enhanced UV stability
- Improved fire retardancy
- Food-grade compliant formulations
Packaging Options
| Container Type | Capacity | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Drums | 200 kg | Industrial users |
| Jerry Cans | 20 kg | Medium-scale users |
| Pails | 5 kg | Small workshops |
| Cartridges | 400 ml | Repair applications |
Environmental Considerations
Modern Unsaturated Polyester formulations have significantly reduced VOC emissions. We offer low-styrene and styrene-free alternatives for environmentally sensitive applications without compromising performance characteristics.