Polyester resin
Encyclopedia
Polyester resins are unsaturated resin
s formed by the reaction of dibasic
organic
acids and polyhydric alcohols. Polyester resins are used in sheet moulding compound
, bulk moulding compound
and the toner
of laser printer
s. 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.
Unsaturated polyesters are condensation polymer
s formed by the reaction of polyol
s (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 . 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 catalyst 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.
Resin
Resin in the most specific use of the term is a hydrocarbon secretion of many plants, particularly coniferous trees. Resins are valued for their chemical properties and associated uses, such as the production of varnishes, adhesives, and food glazing agents; as an important source of raw materials...
s formed by the reaction of dibasic
Dibasic acid
A dibasic acid is an acid that has two hydrogen ions to donate to a base in an acid-base reaction. Therefore, a dibasic molecule has two replaceable hydrogen atoms. Example: H2SO4....
organic
Organic chemistry
Organic chemistry is a subdiscipline within chemistry involving the scientific study of the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and preparation of carbon-based compounds, hydrocarbons, and their derivatives...
acids and polyhydric alcohols. Polyester resins are used in sheet moulding compound
Sheet moulding compound
Sheet moulding compound or sheet moulding composite is a ready to mould fibre-reinforced polyester material primarily used in compression moulding. The sheet is provided in rolls weighing up to 1000 kg....
, bulk moulding compound
Bulk moulding compound
Bulk moulding compound or bulk molding composite is a ready to mold, fiber reinforced thermoset polyester material primarily used in injection moulding and compression moulding. The material is provided in bulk or logs....
and the toner
Toner
Toner is a powder used in laser printers and photocopiers to form the printed text and images on the paper. In its early form it was simply carbon powder. Then, to improve the quality of the printout, the carbon was melt-mixed with a polymer...
of laser printer
Laser printer
A laser printer is a common type of computer printer that rapidly produces high quality text and graphics on plain paper. As with digital photocopiers and multifunction printers , laser printers employ a xerographic printing process, but differ from analog photocopiers in that the image is produced...
s. 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.
Unsaturated polyesters are condensation polymer
Condensation polymer
Condensation polymers are any kind of polymers formed through a condensation reaction, releasing small molecules as by-products such as water or methanol, as opposed to addition polymers which involve the reaction of unsaturated monomers...
s formed by the reaction of polyol
Polyol
A polyol is an alcohol containing multiple hydroxyl groups. In two technological disciplines the term "polyol" has a special meaning: food science and polymer chemistry.- Polyols in food science :...
s (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
Ethylene glycol
Ethylene glycol is an organic compound widely used as an automotive antifreeze and a precursor to polymers. In its pure form, it is an odorless, colorless, syrupy, sweet-tasting liquid...
; acids used are phthalic acid
Phthalic acid
Phthalic acid is an aromatic dicarboxylic acid, with formula C6H42. It is an isomer of isophthalic acid and terephthalic acid. Although phthalic acid is of modest commercial importance, the closely related derivative phthalic anhydride is a commodity chemical produced on a large...
and maleic acid
Maleic acid
Maleic acid is an organic compound that is a dicarboxylic acid, a molecule with two carboxyl groups. Maleic acid is the cis-isomer of butenedioic acid, whereas fumaric acid is the trans-isomer...
. 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
Chain reaction
A chain reaction is a sequence of reactions where a reactive product or by-product causes additional reactions to take place. In a chain reaction, positive feedback leads to a self-amplifying chain of events....
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 . Substances used are generally organic peroxides such as benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is an organic compound in the peroxide family. It consists of two benzoyl groups bridged by a peroxide link. Its structural formula is [C6H5C]2O2. It is one of the most important organic peroxides in terms of applications and the scale of its production...
or methyl ethyl ketone peroxide
Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide
Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide is an organic peroxide, a high explosive similar to acetone peroxide. MEKP is a colorless, oily liquid whereas acetone peroxide is a white powder at STP; MEKP is slightly less sensitive to shock and temperature, and more stable in storage.Dilute solutions of 30 to 60%...
.
Polyester resins are thermosetting and, as with other resins, cure exothermically. The use of excessive catalyst 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.