Polyester resins mechanical properties

Alkalis hydrolyze glass fiber-reinforced polyester resins, drastically changing their mechanical properties. Phthalic- and isophthalic-based glass fiber-reinforced polyester resins suffer property reductions at room temperature shortly after exposure begins. Bisphenol HEX type resins are more resistant vinyl ester resins are the most resistant [32]. 

Mechanical Properties. Properties of typical grades of PBT, either as unfiUed neat resin, glass-fiber fiUed, and FR-grades, are set out in Table 8. This table also includes impact-modified grades which incorporate dispersions of elastomeric particles inside the semicrystalHne polyester matrix. These dispersions act as effective toughening agents which greatly improve impact properties. The mechanisms are not fiiUy understood in all cases. The subject has been discussed in detail (171) and the particular case of impact-modified polyesters such as PBT has also been discussed (172,173). 

Mechanical Properties. The performance of various polyester resin compositions can be distinguished by comparing the mechanical properties of thin castings (3 mm) of the neat resin defined in ASTM testing procedures (15). This technique is used widely to characterize subtle changes in flexural, tensile, and compressive properties that are generally overshadowed in highly filled or reinforced laminates. 

Vinyl ester resins generally offer mechanical properties superior to those of polyester matrices but at an increased cost. Vinyl esters are chemically similar to epoxy resins but are manufactured via a cold-curing process similar to that used in the manufacture of polyester resins. Vinyl esters offer superior resistance to water and chemical attack and are used in such appHcations as underground pipes, tank liners, and storage tanks (see Vinyl polymers). 

Thermosetting unsaturated polyester resins constitute the most common fiber-reinforced composite matrix today. According to the Committee on Resin Statistics of the Society of Plastics Industry (SPl), 454,000 t of unsaturated polyester were used in fiber-reinforced plastics in 1990. These materials are popular because of thek low price, ease of use, and excellent mechanical and chemical resistance properties. Over 227 t of phenoHc resins were used in fiber-reinforced plastics in 1990 (1 3). PhenoHc resins (qv) are used when thek inherent flame retardance, high temperature resistance, or low cost overcome the problems of processing difficulties and lower mechanical properties. 

Ease of cure, easy removal of parts from mold surfaces, and wide availabiHty have made polyesters the first choice for many fiber-reinforced composite molders. Sheet mol ding compound, filament winding, hand lay-up, spray up, and pultmsion are all weU adapted to the use of polyesters. Choosing the best polyester resin and processing technique is often a challenge. The polyester must be a type that is weU adapted to the processing method and must have the final mechanical properties requked by the part appHcation. Table 1 Hsts the deskable properties for a number of fiber-reinforced composite fabrication methods. 

Because of their favourable price, polyesters are preferred to epoxide and furane resins for general purpose laminates and account for at least 95% of the low-pressure laminates produced. The epoxide resins find specialised uses for chemical, electrical and heat-resistant applications and for optimum mechanical properties. The furane resins have a limited use in chemical plant. The use of high-pressure laminates from phenolic, aminoplastic and silicone resins is discussed elsewhere in this book. 

Compared with the polyesters the epoxide resins generally have better mechanical properties and, using appropriate hardeners, better heat resistance and chemical resistance, in particular, resistance to alkalis. 

Polyester resins, reinforced with glass fibers, are used widely in the construction of process equipment. Some physical and mechanical properties are presented in Table 3.48. Table 3.49 lists various materials used as filler and the properties they impart to different plastics. 

The surface energy of fibers is closely related to the hydrophilicity of the fiber [38]. Some investigations are concerned with methods to decrease hydrophilicity. The modification, of wood cellulose fibers with stearic acid [43] hydrophobizes those fibers and improves their dispersion in polypropylene. As can be observed in jute-reinforced unsaturated polyester resin composites, treatment with polyvinylacetate increases the mechanical properties [24] and moisture repellency. 

The highest mechanical strengths are usually obtained when the fibre is used in fine fabric form but for many purposes the fibres may be used in mat form, particularly glass fibre. The chemical properties of the laminates are largely determined by the nature of the polymer but capillary attraction along the fibre-resin interface can occur when some of these interfaces are exposed at a laminate surface. In such circumstances the resistance of both reinforcement and matrix must be considered when assessing the suitability of a laminate for use in chemical plant. Glass fibres are most commonly used for chemical plant, in conjunction with phenolic resins, and the latter with furane, epoxide and, sometimes, polyester resins. 

For example, the molecular weight of unsaturated polyesters is controlled to less than 5000 g/mol. The low molecular weight of the unsaturated polyester allows solvation in vinyl monomers such as styrene to produce a low-viscosity resin. Unsaturated polyesters are made with monomers containing carbon-carbon double bonds able to undergo free-radical crosslinking reactions with styrene and other vinyl monomers. Crosslinking the resin by free-radical polymerization produces the mechanical properties needed in various applications. 

A description is given of a comparative study of the glycolysis of PETP waste soft drinks bottles by various mixtures of EG and DEG with subsequent polyesterification of the glycolysed products by maleic anhydride in order to obtain unsaturated polyesters suitable for the production of varnishes. The processing characteristics such as viscosity, exotherm temperatures of curing, compatibility of resins with monomers was investigated with respect to the type and amount of reactive monomers. The mechanical properties of varnishes produced were analysed. 13 refs. 

Superior Environmental Products, Inc. introduced a product based on liquid poly sulfide containing 40% of a surface-modified scrap tire mbber. The product, ER-IOOR, is a coating that can temporarily contain chemical, oil, and gasoline spills. Rodriguez [97] reported that an unsaturated polyester resin containing silane-treated CGR showed better mechanical properties than that containing untreated CGR. 

Rodriguez, A.L., The effect of cryogenicaby ground rubber on some mechanical properties of an unsamrated polyester resin, Polym. Eng. Sci., 28, 145, 1988. 

Methods for achieving low styrene emissions in the unsaturated polyester resin industry are discussed. The necessity for new formulations to maintain the same mechanical properties as the previous ones is considered. The environmental requirements and working conditions that make essential the development of new formulations and processes that reduce volatile emissions are examined. The need for factories to adopt alternative technologies in order to comply with the latest environmental restrictions is discussed. 12 refs. 

Unsaturated polyester and methacrylate resins are frequently colored with pigment-plasticizer (DIDP) pastes. They have no measurable adverse effect on the important mechanical properties of the finished article. To a small extent pigments are also dispersed directly in one part of the monomer. 

PBT will absorb very little water (0.08 %), and its mechanical properties are not affected in the short term. Polyamides, on the other hand, may absorb up to 12% of water. In nylon resins, the water acts as a plasticizer it lowers the Tg, decreases the flexural modulus, and may cause part growth. Based on these criteria alone, polyesters are often a better choice than nylons for many applications (less variation of properties). 

---