Viscosity polyester resin

When the number of repeating units in a polymer chain is low, that is when the molecular weight of the polymer is low (2000-10000 g mol ), the polymer is defined as a resin, provided it possesses sufficient numbers of active sites in its structures for chemical cross-linking to occur. The resins can form three-dimensional network structures if sufficient external energy (heat/light/radiation) is applied, with or without the use of any other chemical(s) in their finished state. They are free flowing materials of low viscosity. Polyester resins, epoxy resins, and polyurethane resins are examples of this type of polymer. This book contains descriptions of the different types of resins derived from various vegetable oils. 

TrialkylPhosphates. Triethyl phosphate [78-40-0] C H O P, is a colorless Hquid boiling at 209—218°C containing 17 wt % phosphoms. It may be manufactured from diethyl ether and phosphoms pentoxide via a metaphosphate intermediate (63,64). Triethyl phosphate has been used commercially as an additive for polyester laminates and in ceHulosics. In polyester resins, it functions as a viscosity depressant as weH as a flame retardant. The viscosity depressant effect of triethyl phosphate in polyester resins permits high loadings of alumina trihydrate, a fire-retardant smoke-suppressant filler (65,66). 

Fig. 2. Functional end groups and solution viscosity during polyester resin manufacture. Acid value is defined as the milligrams of KOH required to neutralize 1 g of polymer hydroxyl value is defined as the milligrams of acid equivalent required to neutralize 1 g of polymer. Solution viscosities are...

Dicylopentadiene Resins. Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) can be used as a reactive component in polyester resins in two distinct reactions with maleic anhydride (7). The addition reaction of maleic anhydride in the presence of an equivalent of water produces a dicyclopentadiene acid maleate that can condense with ethylene or diethylene glycol to form low molecular weight, highly reactive resins. These resins, introduced commercially in 1980, have largely displaced OfXv o-phthahc resins in marine apphcations because of beneficial shrinkage properties that reduce surface profile. The inherent low viscosity of these polymers also allows for the use of high levels of fillers, such as alumina tfihydrate, to extend the resin-enhancing, fiame-retardant properties for apphcation in bathtub products (Table 4). 

Catalyst Selection. The low resin viscosity and ambient temperature cure systems developed from peroxides have faciUtated the expansion of polyester resins on a commercial scale, using relatively simple fabrication techniques in open molds at ambient temperatures. The dominant catalyst systems used for ambient fabrication processes are based on metal (redox) promoters used in combination with hydroperoxides and peroxides commonly found in commercial MEKP and related perketones (13). Promoters such as styrene-soluble cobalt octoate undergo controlled reduction—oxidation (redox) reactions with MEKP that generate peroxy free radicals to initiate a controlled cross-linking reaction. 

Polyester Resins. Reinforced polyester resins are thermosets based on unsaturated polyesters from glycols and dibasic acids, either or both of which contain reactive double bonds. The ratio of saturated to unsaturated components controls the degree of cross-linking and thus the rigidity of the product (see Polyesters, unsaturated). Typically, the glycols and acids are esterified until a viscous Hquid results, to which an inhibitor is added to prevent premature gelation. Addition of the monomer, usually styrene, reduces the viscosity to an easily workable level. 

Over the years many blends of polyurethanes with other polymers have been prepared. One recent example is the blending of polyurethane intermediates with methyl methacrylate monomer and some unsaturated polyester resin. With a suitable balance of catalysts and initiators, addition and rearrangement reactions occur simultaneously but independently to give interpenetrating polymer networks. The use of the acrylic monomer lowers cost and viscosity whilst blends with 20% (MMA + polyester) have a superior impact strength. 

Increase viscosity, e.g. magnesium oxide in unsaturated polyester resins increases the viscosity so much that a liquid resin becomes a tackfree solid, suitable for making sheet moulding compound (SMC). A relatively high viscosity is also desirable for latex compounds used to coat textiles. 

Polyester resins can be highly beneficial as additives to other size polymers, although a great deal of care and expertise is required in formulation [192]. Viscosity, for example, is an important factor in the warp sizing process. The viscosity of some sizes, such as poly(vinyl alcohol), is significantly affected by temperature fluctuations. The addition of a polyester resin tends to minimise such changes in viscosity. Surface tension is another important parameter... 

Japon, S., Leterrier, Y. and Manson, J.-A., Increasing the melt viscosities of a polyester resin, World Patent WO 00 29 470, 1999. 

Uses. About 60% of the MA produced is used to make unsaturated polyester and aikyd resins, which are formed by reaction of MA with glycols. Polyester resins are used in the fabrication of glass fiber reinforced parts. Applications include boat hulls, automobile body parts, patio furniture, shower stalls, and pipe. Aikyd resins are mostly used in coatings (paint, varnish, lacquers, and enamels). MA also is widely used as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of plasticizers and dibasic acids (fumaric, maleic, and succinic). About 15% of MA production goes into the manufacture of viscosity index improvers and dispersants used as additives in lube oils. Several agricultural chemicals are based on maleic anhydride, the best known being Malathion. 

Although polyurethanes or other reactive resins can be used in RTM, the most common resins are polyesters and epoxies. The two pumping reservoirs in Figure 7.90, then, contain polyester resin and initiator, or epoxy resin and hardener, respectively. Epoxies require relatively long cycle times. When cycle time is critical, low viscosity vinyl ester, acrylamate, or urethanes can be injected very rapidly into the mold. Even the use of thermoplastics is possible. 

Among various rubbery polymeric materials, a special polyester resin has been developed as a binder in view of its curing at ambient temperature, low viscosity (as a result of addition of vinyl monomers) without appreciable sedimentation of explosives. In addition, polyester resin has the greatest advantage of having an oxygen moiety in the skeleton which increases oxygen balance of the final sheet,... 

ALLYL ESTER RESINS. The allyl radical (CH2CH=CH2) is the basis of the allyl family of resins. Allyl esters arc based on monobasic and dibasic acids and are available as low-viscosity monomers and thermoplastic prepolymers. They are used as crosslinking agents for unsaluraied polyester resins and in the preparation of reinforced thermoset molding compounds and high-performance transparent articles. All modem thermoset techniques may be used for processing allyl resins. 

The acid-base properties of polymers, fillers and silane additives, as described by Fowkes [14] can be used to predict the effect of silanes on the dispersion of fillers in polymer, and viscosity of the mix. In general, opposites attract (give good dispersion) while like materials repel (poor dispersion) [15]. The effect of cationic silane (Z-6032) on the dispersion of silica (acidic filler) in this particular unsaturated polyester resin (acidic polymer) is shown in Table 6. Addition of Z-6032 in increments to a silica-filled polyester resin lowered the viscosity of the mixture to a minimum at about 0.4% silane based on the filler. 

Sheet and Bulk Molding Compounds. The activity with SMC and and BMC is based on resin technology which was known more than 20 years ago (3). The key concept involves increasing the viscosity of the unsaturated polyester resin. The polyester resin with an initial viscosity of several thousand centipoise is advanced chemically to a viscosity of several million centipoise. 

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