Solvents reinforced plastics/thermosets

S.3.3 Reinforced plastics. Adhesives that give satisfactory results on the resin matrix alone may also be used to bond reinforced plastics. Surface preparation of reinforced thermosetting plastics consists of abrasion and solvent cleaning. A degree of abrasion is desired so that the reinforcing material is exposed to the adhesive. 

Thermosetting polyesters are resistant to most solvents and acids and alkalies. Glass reinforced plastics are widely used in the manufacture of semi-bulk containers for all types of liquid and solids and for storage tanks. 

Clear polyester sheet stock and rods are available13 and, like reinforced polyester plastic, may be drilled, sawed, and machined. This clear plasic is harder than poly(methyl methacrylate) and much more solvent resistant than either po-lyfmethyl methacrylate) or polystyrene. As with all thermosetting plastics, it may not be heat-formed or solvent-bonded. However, bonding with epoxy cements is satisfactory. This plastic is claimed to give continuous service at 80°C and intermittent service up to 150°C. 

Reinforced thermoplastics can also be solvent cemented to themselves or joined to other thermoplastics using a compatible solvent cement. For reinforced thermosets, in general, the adhesives recommended above for thermosetting plastics apply. 

Chemical resistance (reagent resistance] n. The ability of a plastic to maintain structural and esthetic integrity when exposed to acids, alkalis, solvents, and other chemicals. ASTM tests for chemical resistance of plastics include C 581, chemical resistance of thermosetting resins used in glass-fiber-reinforced structures D 543, resistance of plastics to chemical reagents D 1239, resistance of plastic films to extraction by chemicals D 1712, resistance of plastics to sulfide staining D 21451, test... 

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