Basic condensation reaction scheme for producing unsaturated polyester resins

The properties of the cured UP resins can be varied within wide limits to meet specific requirements, by the choice of specific dicarboxylic (both unsaturated and saturated) acids and diols and by dissolving them in different reactive monomers. Using die appropriate combination of starting materials, it is possible to influence many properties of die resin, such as  

Within the unsaturated polyester consumer market, a variety of formulations are used. The background to this is the large variety in end-use markets and the use of many different conversion technologies at the converter. Overall, hundreds of different formulations are brought to the market. Apart from differing in formulation (raw material composition), processes may differ to target desired specifications and product performance. 

The Western European production of unsaturated polyester resins in 2002 was 471 kilotonnes. A summary of the production data for the years 2000 - 2002 is given in Table 6.1. 

Overall, 43 installations were reported to produce UP all over Europe. Countries with the most unsaturated polyester plants are UK (8), Spain (6), Italy (5) and France (5). A summary of the plants is given in Table 6.2. 

Producer Number of production sites in Europe Location(s) 

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Figure 6.1 Basic condensation reaction scheme for producing unsaturated polyester resins...

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