Polyester Resins
Polyester resin system is the most widely used resin system. Polyester resin when reinforced with fiberglass is used to produce composite with improved physical properties. Polyesters offer dimensional stability, ease of handling, low cost as well as good mechanical, chemical resistance and electrical properties. Additives are added to the resin as per application desired property such as flame retardancy, corrosion resistance, class A surface, UV resistance and mechanical properties.
Thermoset Polyester resins are created by combining an alcohol like ethylene glycol with an organic acid like maleic anhydride.
There are two principal types of polyester resins namely orthophthalic resin or general purpose resin which is the standard economic resin and the other is isophthalic resin which has good chemical, thermal resistance and good mechanical properties.
Advantages:
- Can be used for wide range of applications
- Lowest cost amongst all resin systems
Applications:
Used in electrical panels for insulation, boat manufacturing, Automotive body panels, wind turbine components, panels in locomotive, architecture, chemical tanks etc.
Processing Technology:
The best process for producing your product depends upon the design of the product (its physical properties and dimensional tolerances), production volume and your tooling budget.
Some of the processing technologies for Polyester resins are given below.- Open moulding
- Vacuum infusion
- Compression moulding
- Pultrusion