Vinyl Ester Resin Uses

While vinyl ester resins are classified as polyester based formulations they are actually an intermediate between a polyester backbone and epoxy terminations on the ends of the molecules.

Vinyl ester resin uses. Vinyl ester resins offer increased strength corrosion resistance and durability and are used in a wide variety of applications. Cloth and polyester resin. It adds excellent strength rigidity adhesion water and chemical resistance. The vinyl groups refer to these ester substituents which are prone to polymerize.

It is typically used in boat hulls gas tanks kayaks canoes and other items that will be exposed to chemicals such as fuel or water for extended periods of time. Vinyl ester can be used as a final coat after polyester resin to create a better water barrier. These coatings typically exceed both polyester and epoxy in corrosion resistance temperature resistance and elongation toughness. Vinyl ester resins are produced by the reaction esterification between an epoxy resin and an unsaturated monocarboxylic acid.

Vinyl ester resin is also more resistant to solvents and water degradation. Their longer double bonded vinyl groups that link the ester groups together contribute a flexible nature to the resin. Essentially they comprise a base of polyester resin strengthened with epoxy molecules in the backbone of the molecular chain. Polyester resins also known as unsaturated polyester resins upr combined with fiberglass reinforcements have been the building blocks of the composites industry for decades these formulations provide low cost ease of handling quick cure and high strength to create a wide variety of.

Vinyl esters also use peroxides e g. Proper thickening with the usual thickening agents is an essential resin characteristic if the smc is to be ready to mold i e. Because of this vinyl esters are generally used when high durability thermal stability and extremely high corrosion resistance are a. Mature in a reasonable time and to remain moldable long enough that it can be all used up under normal production schedules.

Epoxy adheres to wood much better than polyester does. Vinyl ester resin or often just vinyl ester is a resin produced by the esterification of an epoxy resin with acrylic or methacrylic acids. To cover wood a laminate using epoxy resin and 10 oz cloth will yield a much better job than 10 oz. However most are prepared solely with reactive vinly type monmomers.

In some cases conventional solvents such as xylenes are also used. Polyester or vinyl ester resins can be used to make smc. Vinyl ester resins vinyl esters are halfway between polyesters and epoxies as far as typical properties and toughness and they are a step up on a cost basis. Vinyl ester resins are a cross between polyester resins and epoxy resins.

Epoxy vinyl ester resins also find uses in coatings particulalry for the marine building and construction industries due to their excellent corrosion and weathering resistance.