What is unsaturated polyester resin?
Specifically, the unsaturated polyester resin, also known by the English acronym UPR, is an easily printable liquid polymer which, once cured (cross-linked with styrene, by the use of particular substances, organic peroxides, named hardeners), keeps the solid shape taken in the mold. …
Is polyester resin hazardous?
The handling of polyester resin system materials may give rise to skin irritations, allergic reactions, and burns. The burns are probably due to styrene and organic peroxides. Atmospheric pollution from styrene and explosion and fire risks from organic peroxides must be prevented.
What does polyester resin contain?
Most polyester resins are viscous, pale-colored liquids consisting of a solution of a polyester in a monomer which is usually styrene. The addition of styrene in amounts of up to 50% helps to make the resin easier to handle by reducing its viscosity.
Is unsaturated polyester resin flammable?
However, a major drawback of cured UPR is that it is highly flammable, largely owing to the copious amounts of flammable styrene evolved in the relatively low temperature depolymerization process, and burns with the production of a dense smoke.
What is difference between saturated and unsaturated polyester resin?
The key difference between saturated and unsaturated polyester resin is that the saturated polyester resin has no double bonds in its main chain but the unsaturated polyester resin has double bonds in the main chain.
What is unsaturated polyester used for?
Unsaturated polyester resins are mainly used in the production of fiber reinforced plastics and filled plastic products, including sanitary-ware, tanks, pipes, gratings, and high performance components for the marine and transportation industry such as closure and body panels, fenders, boat hulls/ decks and other large …
Are polyester resin fumes flammable?
Yes, the resin fumes are flammable. Polyester resin has a styrene base, and styrene vapor will burn.
What is the difference between polyester and epoxy resins?
Epoxy is more resistant to wearing, cracking and peeling, and corrosion or damage from chemical or environmental degradation. Polyester is more fragile and useful for temporary fixes, or low-stress use. Epoxy is generally more expensive than resin, due to its strength and formulation requirements.
Does polyester resin contain formaldehyde?
Most 100% polyester fabrics are safe, but those made from mixtures of fibers, such as polyester and cotton, are not. Certain 100% cotton knits may contain finishes with low levels of formaldehyde, but not all 100% cotton fabrics are formaldehyde free.
Is polyester resin fireproof?
Cured epoxy resin is not flammable and is actually fire-resistant. Polyester resin, pre-curing, is always flammable and has a very low flashpoint if it contains only styrene monomers.
What is fire retardant resin?
The need for Fire Retardant resins. During fire, the most hazardous ingredient is smoke, rather than heat/temperature. A fire occurs when fuel, heat and oxygen come in contact. If one of them is removed, the fire can be stopped. An unsaturated polyester resin basically acts as fuel.
How is unsaturated polyester resin made?
unsaturated polyester, any of a group of thermosetting resins produced by dissolving a low-molecular-weight unsaturated polyester in a vinyl monomer and then copolymerizing the two to form a hard, durable plastic material.