Unsaturated polyester resin is the most important production of composite materials, mainly glass fiber–reinforced plastics (FRP), but also for casting resins (nonreinforced).
FRP composites are consumed primarily by the construction, marine, and land transportation industries, although they find use in a variety of other applications.
Nonreinforced cross-linked unsaturated polyester resin is used to make cultured marble and solid-surface countertops, gel coats, automotive repair putty and filler, and other items such as bowling balls and buttons.
Vinyl ester resin, or often just vinyl ester, is a resin produced by the esterification of an epoxy resin with acrylic or methacrylic acids.[1] The “vinyl” groups refer to these ester substituents, which are prone to polymerize and thus an inhibitor is usually added. The diester product is then dissolved in a reactive solvent, such as styrene, to approximately 35–45 percent content by weight. Polymerization is initiated by free radicals, which are generated by UV-irradiation or peroxides.
