Polyester Resin – A Cost-Effective and Versatile Solution for Composite Manufacturing
Polyester resin is a mixture of unsaturated polyester and styrene. The reinforced plastics industry primarily uses polyester resin due to its affordable price. Polyester resin is cured at room temperature using a peroxide hardener. The curing reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat. The curing occurs in three stages: gelation, hardening, and post-curing. The gel time determines the working time of the resin. Laminate made of polyester resin is usually cured at room temperature, as this is normally sufficient. However, if higher mechanical performance is required, post-curing at a temperature of 60–120 °C is recommended. This allows the resin—and the laminate—to achieve optimal mechanical properties. Polyester resin is characterized by the rather strong smell of styrene solvent, which is released into the air from an open container and during lamination.
There are different grades of polyester resins for various applications – for example, vinyl ester resin is used in the manufacturing of chemical tanks and pipes. It offers better heat resistance than standard polyester resin and has excellent chemical resistance. Vinyl ester resin is generally not available in very small containers. Gelcoat and topcoat are also polyester resin based.
Laminating polyester resin
Aropol M105 TB
AROPOL M 105 TB is an orthophthalic-based unsaturated polyester resin with low styrene emission. The emission is up to 50% lower compared to conventional resins. The styrene emission of AROPOL M 105 TB resin is only 2–5% of the resin's weight, whereas standard types typically emit 5–10%. AROPOL M 105 TB is characterized by excellent fiberglass wet-out capability and easy workability.
AROPOL M 105 TB is a thixotropic and pre-accelerated resin suitable for spray-up and hand lay-up applications, with a medium gel time. The curing properties of AROPOL M 105 TB resin allow for the production of laminates with a thickness of 2–10 mm.
AROPOL M 105 TB resin is approved by Lloyd’s Register, Germanischer Lloyd, and Det Norske Veritas for use in boat manufacturing. In addition, Det Norske Veritas has approved the resin as suitable for the production of holding tanks.
Application area
AROPOL M 105 TB is suitable for the production of various types of fiber reinforced plastic components and is particularly recommended for use in boat manufacturing.
Gel time (23 °C): 1% hardener addition 40 min
Package sizes: 1 kg, 3 kg, 10 kg, 20 kg
Files: Aropol M105 TB EG
You can purchase polyester resin from our online store.
Hardener
Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide
Package sizes: 20 g, 140 g, 225 g, 5 kg
Files: Technical data sheet (pdf)