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Polyester resin is the principal resin in fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) boat construction as the resin is inexpensive and adheres readily to polyester-based gelcoats-the smooth, shiny outer hull surface. An advantage of epoxy resins in structural applications is that they are essentially corrosion-proof as compared with metals. They are used as coatings, adhesives, and so on. They are used as potting compounds, sealants, and encapsulants. They are used in the construction trades to anchor bolts and other hardware into concrete walls, ceilings, and floors. ApplicationsĮpoxy resins are used alone or in combination with glass, carbon, or other reinforcing fibers (aramid) to create all manner of product from boat hulls to electrical components. Resins are produced by major manufacturers and then sold in large quantities to formulators who produce specialty compounds for specific applications. Some resin/fiber combinations, called prepregs, require refrigeration of the pre-impregnated fiber until it is used, when the material is exposed to room temperature and the curing begins. Vinyl-ester resins combine polyester and epoxy resins for increased strength.Ĭuring rate for pure epoxy resins may be increased or decreased by the use of different hardeners but it is heat which ultimately hardens the resin. Thermoset polyester cures very rapidly when compared with pure epoxy and generates a great deal of heat in the process. Curing time can be adjusted by adding more or less catalyst-a different case than with pure epoxies in which the correct ratios must be followed or the material will not cure.
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Catalysts are added in much smaller proportions than epoxy hardeners, usually a few drops per ounce of resin. Thermoset polyester and vinyl-ester resins cure by exothermic reactions as well when mixed with a catalyst, oftentimes MEKP, or methyl ethyl ketone peroxide. Pure epoxy resins are usually mixed as two ingredients (a resin and a hardener, often an amine) of equal or integrally proportionate (stoichiometric) ratios to produce a material that cures slowly with little shrinkage. PropertiesĮpoxy resins can be thought of as including pure epoxy resins, thermoset polyester resins, and vinyl-ester resins, although the polyester thermosets really are a separate species. Information about these thermosets and other thermoplastics may be found in our Types of Resins guide. Other thermosets include polyester, urethane, melamine, and phenolic. Thermoplastics are generally recyclable for this reason, while thermosets are generally not. Image credit: Emil Litov/Įpoxy (EP) resins are thermoset polymers-meaning they cure in an altered form from their liquid state and cannot be re-melted in the manner of thermoplastics.