A Guide to Polyester Resin – Properties and Uses

Posted by Nikunj on May 27th, 2021

Polyester resin is formed through the reaction of dibasic organic acids with polyhydric alcohols. Their application can be recognized in the industrial setting as components of sheet and bulk moulding compounds and commercially as toners for laser printers. Commonly, Polyester resin is fused with fiberglass to produce low-maintenance wall panels often used in restaurants, restrooms or the kitchen.

As a fact, polyester resin for FRP reign superior in chemical, mechanical and electrical abilities that form part of their properties. But setbacks of the same are their fragile nature and limited durability. For these reasons they are only suitable in construction of light weight materials. Now we look at the subdivisions polyester resin fall in which include the saturated or the unsaturated type.

The unsaturated types come out as the more popular of the two. They are versatile in nature formed through the reaction of aromatic acids with a mixture of glycols and maleic anhydride. From this chemical reaction unsaturated polyester resin is born, with great production efficiency and attractive coloring to add to that. They have unparalleled strength compared to the saturated resins with great resistance to chemicals and heat. When induced on glass fiber they form excellent Fiber Reinforced Plastics or FRP the common abbreviation.

The unique and advantaged properties of the unsaturated polyester resin give them an upper hand in household, industrial and automobile applications. For starters, they are used in water proof pans, wall panels and ceiling panels. For an exquisite home décor, unsaturated polyester resin is the trick used in decorated panels for the walls.

The heat resistance abilities of unsaturated polyester resins get a go ahead from automobile engineers in the production of air spoiler, front panels and engine covers. They also form part of the ceiling covers for cars and window frame covers.

Away from the automobile arena, unsaturated polyester resin has approval in producing circuit breakers for electrical appliances. Moreover, they are also the components used in telephone boxes, dish antennas and light covers. Lastly, unsaturated Polyester resin is credited with the manufacture of DVD trays and honeycomb bases. Not forgetting LCD projectors and optical units.

The saturated type doesn’t have much consideration in our day to day application. Formed from the polycondensation reaction of multifunctional organic acids and multihydroxy alcohols, they can only be used as powered coatings. But the powdered coating is gaining popularity and becoming widely used throughout the world. They do a commendable job in hybrid systems when combined with the equally efficient epoxy resins. Saturated polyester resins are also applicable in structures hardened with primid, a substance made of hydroxyalkylamide and acts as a cross linker of the powdered resins.

Saturated polyester resin may not match the popularity of the unsaturated resins but they are also highly recognized for their eco-friendly trait. They are proficient in eradicating organic solvent proven by experts to be harmful to the environment. Painting work is also economical thanks to saturated resins. When mixed with regular paint it makes it possible to apply thin layers of paint to surfaces thus saving a lot on the quantity of paint you buy.