Unsaturated polyesters construction applications

Polyester resins. The fire-performance characteristics of unsaturated polyester resins are of utmost importance in many application areas, particularly in the construction, transportation and electronics industries ( 1 3). Consequently, these plastics represent one of the major growth areas for fire retardants in recent years ( 1 4). 

Construction applications for unsaturated polyesters resins can be sub-divide into four significant segments, as follows ... 

There are perhaps hundreds of miscellaneous unsaturated polyester resin construction applications. These would include window frames, doors, cabinet enclosures, electrical boxes, etc. In addition, recent developments bode well for unsaturated polyesters in construction markets. Concrete rebar, bridge construction and general infrastructure repair are examples of growing construction applications. 

The growth of unsaturated polyesters will continue to be fueled by their versatility and their ability to provide cost-effective solutions to end-use requirements. Unsaturated polyester composites will continue to provide solutions to engineering demands for corrosion resistance, strength-to-weight and cost performance. Marine, transportation and construction opportunities currently identified and being developed will provide growth beyond the existing applications presented. Some examples are as follows ... 

Applications. Phthalic anhydride is used largely to make plasticizer for polyvinyl chloride. It is also a feed for alkyd resins and. for unsaturated polyesters that are widely used in construction, rharine, and synthetic marble applications. Other minor applications are dyes, esters, drying oil modifiers and pharmaceutical intermediates. 

The crosslinking copolymerization of unsaturated polyesters with styrene is utilized industrially for the production of surface coatings. More extensive are applications in fiber-reinforced plastics where the unsaturated polyesters are used as a matrix for inorganic and organic fibers (see Example 5-20). Areas of application are (large) parts in boats, vehicles, and sport equipment construction. 

The largest use for propylene glycol is unsaturated polyester resins. Propylene glycol is an intermediate in the synthesis of these versatile materials, which, because of their corrosion resistant properties, have application in the marine, automotive, and construction industries. 

Unsaturated polyester resins are generally reinforced with glass fibers and have many applications, from transparent building construction elements to boat hulls. Their application is facilitated by the use of what are known as SMCs (sheet molding compounds). SMCs are formulated mixtures of unsaturated polyesters, vinyl monomers, initiators, and glass fibers supplied as a sandwich between two poly (ethylene) films. To apply, one film is removed, and the resin layer is pressed onto the mold with rollers, and thus... 

In tonnage terms, calcium carbonate is completely dominant a few figures are given in Chapter 6. The great majority of calcium carbonate is used in PVC and to a lesser extent unsaturated polyester thermosetting polymer. Much of it is destined for the construction market or the automotive, domestic appliance and household or consumer products industries. New applications include packaging, especially medical and pharmaceutical packaging, biaxially oriented PP film, flexible film, and injection and blow moulded articles. 

Unsaturated polyesters (UPs) have been used extensively in the reinforced plastics industry in the manufacture of products for transportation, construction and marine applications. They are also used for coatings, finishes, lacquers, cements and glues... 

---