Introduction to basic polyester resin casting
Polyester Resin
Polyester resin is a low peak exothermic unsaturated resin used for making artificial marble and FRP products. It can be waxed, unwaxed; promoted and non-promoted. Polyester resin exhibits good transparency, light colour and high glossiness. This resin is most suitable for use in making; High Quality Artificial Marble, Onyx Marble, Clear Transparent Casting as well as being used in the process of Solid Surfacing.
The viscosity of Polyester resin is rather low in order to facilitate good wet out, fast bubble release and to accept high filler loading, thus assuring an easy processing. It is ideal for making a variety of casting objects such as flooring, bathroom bowls, table tops, bath units, artificial marble walls, R.T.M. and the like onyx marble.
Polyester resin can be used for clear casting as it possess low shrinkage, a high reflective index and a slow yellowing effect over time.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Polyester resin has the following characteristics: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear | |||
| Viscosity at 30oC | 3 to 6 poise | |||
| Geltime at 30oC | 4 to 7 minutes | |||
| Cure Time at 30oC | 13 to 20 minutes | |||
| Peak Exothermic Temperature | 110oC to 125oC | |||
| Stability in the Dark below 25oC | 6 months | |||
PROPERTIES
| Pure Resin Casting polyester resin | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water Absorption, 7day value | 0.35% | |||
| Barcol Hardness | 498 BHC | |||
| Heat Distortion Temperature | 67.3oC | |||
| Elongation at Break | 3.2% | |||
| Specific Gravity of Liquid Resin at 25oC | 1.13 kg/litre | |||
| Volume Shrinkage on Cure | 7% | |||
| Volatile Content | 40 to 43% | |||
| Flexural Strength | 115.3 MPa | |||
| Flexural Modulus | 3584.3 MPa | |||
| Tensile Strength | 65.1MPa | |||
| Tensile Modulus | 4358.9 Mpa | |||
USAGE
Polyester laminating resin performs best when it is completely cured. To do so, a proper combination of catalyst and accelerator must be used at room temperature for a sufficient period of time. Generally, 1 percent of catalyst is used. Generally, 1 to 1.5 percent of catalyst together with 0.5 percent accelerator is needed.
Both quantities can be adjusted for a shorter or longer gel time by increasing or decreasing catalyst, accelerator, or both. As a rule, however, the amount of catalyst used should not exceed 2% and must not be less than 0.5% while that of accelerator should range between 0.4% and 1%. Be sure to measure accurately.
Accelerator must be completely mixed into the resin before catalyst is added in order to avoid a direct blending which due to a violent reaction may result in an EXPLOSION.
Since the viscosity increases as the storage period of resin lengthens, Styrene Monomer can be added to lower it to a desired level. However, excess of Styrene Monomer added will affect the quality of resin.
However owing to difficulties in presenting information applicable to all situations, no warranty is expressed or implied and users are recommended to carry out their own tests to determine the applicability of the above information and the suitability of SHCP resin for their particular requirements.
STORAGE
Polyester resin will remain stable for about 6 months from date of factory manufacturing provided resin is stored in the dark, is not exposed to moisture and is stored below 25 deg.C. The containers should not be opened until they are required for use. Their stability however deteriorates markedly at higher temperatures, especially when they are directly exposed to sunlight. It is advisable to finish it within three months.
Crystal Clear
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Crystal Clear is a low peak exothermic unsaturated polyester resin of orthophthalic type for making decorative castings. It is non-waxed but promoted, and can be waxed upon request.
Clear and transparent. It possesses low shrinkage and is ideal for making a variety of casting objects such as imitation jewels, ornaments, panels, trays, etc.
SPECIFICATION
| Crystal Clear polyester resin has the following characteristics: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear | |||
| Viscosity at 30oC | 3 to 4 poise | |||
| Geltime at 30oC | 30 to 50 mins | |||
| Cure Time at 30oC | 60 to 80 mins | |||
| Shrinkage | 5% | |||
| Stability in the Dark below 25deg C | 6 months | |||
USAGE
Crystal Clear polyester resin performs best when it is completely cured. To do so, a proper combination of catalyst and accelerator must be used at room temperature for a sufficient period of time. Generally, 1 percent of catalyst together with 0.5 percent of accelerator is used.
Adjustments for shorter or longer geltime can be achieved by ranging the quantities of catalyst and/or accelerator used. As a rule, however, the amount of catalyst used should not be more than 2% or less than 0.5% while that of accelerator should range between 0.4% and 1%. Be sure to measure accurately. When used with filler, depend on the percentage of filler being added the amount of catalyst will need to be adjusted accordingly for the desired geltime.
Ensure that the accelerator must be completely mixed into the resin before catalyst is added in order to avoid a direct blending which due to a violent reaction may result in an EXPLOSION.
Since the viscosity increased as the storage period of resin lengthens, Styrene Monomer can be added to lower it to a desired level.
However owing to difficulties in presenting information applicable to all situations, no warranty is expressed or implied and users are recommended to carry out their own tests to determine the applicability of the above information and the suitability of resin for their particular requirements.
STORAGE
Polyester resin will remain stable if stored in the dark and at temperatures below 25 deg C. Their stability however deteriorates markedly at higher temperatures, especially when directly exposed to sunlight. Hence they should be kept in a cool, dark place.