Properties of Polyester Resin

Polyester resins are popular and widely used, especially in the marine industry to shape and form hulls and outer layers of ships. Other industries also employ polyester resin thanks to its numerous beneficial properties. They are used in the auto industry, as an adhesive and even as wood filler. The following are some of the properties exhibited by polyester resins.

Color

Polyester resins are, across the board, pale in color. This could be a pale gray color to a dull and diluted white.

Thermosetting

All polyester resins are thermosetting, that is, they are malleable until they are heated, at which time they permanently harden, even when exposed to the same heat a second time.

Resistant

Polyester resins are pretty resistant to both water and to UV rays. This is another reason why they are often employed in the marine industry.

Brittle

Because of the thermosetting nature of polyester resins, they can be fairly brittle because of their resistance to being bent or changed. When enough pressure is applied, they can crack or shatter.

Viscosity

Polyester resins are generally viscous. In order to lessen their viscosity, styrene is added. However, styrene may create fumes that can endanger those who work with polyester resins.