What is Polyester Resin

Polyester resin is a thermosetting resin produced by a reaction between several organic acids and polyhydric alcohols. Used in the production of glass fibre reinforced moldings and composite products. This resin is in liquid form requiring the addition of catalysts and accelerators to complete the hardening process. As the resin is a contact product it requires no pressure to cure from its liquid state.Amongst its many advantages is ease of use, low cost and physical characteristics.

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Most commonly used polyester resins are pale coloured liquids consisting of a polyester and styrene solution. The styrene is added to reduce the viscosity (thickness) of the resin which in turn aids its ease of use and the curing (setting) process. Manufacturers occasionally use additives in the production of polyester resins such as colour pigments to produce certain colour resins and also additives to aid fire and chemical resistance depending on the intended application of the resin by the end user. Such additives are also available off the shelf at suppliers such as ourselves so the customer can use such methods themselves for their particular job.

Catalyst and accelerators are used to trigger the curing (setting) process by adding a certain percentage of these products to the resin which in turn speeds up the gel time (setting) of the resin to its hardened state at room temperature without any physical intervention. In this curing reaction the styrene is released  causing the hardening of the resin.

Here at Speedy Plastics and Resins we sell both budget and premium resins and topcoats along with catalyst, accelerator, colour pigments, glass fibre mattings and all the tools needed for virtually any application including a range of fibre glass moulded trims as mentioned above.

For further information on polyester resin, please do not hesitate to contact Speedy Plastics and Resins on local number (0844) 8586670, and our team will be delighted to help.