Vynyl Ester Resins Without Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

The use of structural composites made from Unsaturated Polyester and Vinyl Ester Resins (UPR’s and VER’s) in the US and the Department of Defense is significant, and will increase as more structures enjoy the advantages of composite strength, durability, and lower life cycle costs. Currently, UPR and VER resins contain a significant amount of styrene monomer and present a hazard because of the volatile and flammable nature of the materials. PES personnel have researched materials and methods of processing that will allow styrene to be removed from resins, dramatically reducing the volatile organic compound (VOC) content and the flammable hazard (HAZMAT) potential. Removal of the VOC hazard improves workplace safety, is beneficial to the long term health of personnel and the environment, and eases restrictions on transportation of resins. PES has developed an innovative process to combine UPR and VER resin bases with unique reactive diluents that provide high performance non-VOC resins, with low viscosity, low flammability, and a significantly reduced cost. PES has the capability to customize and compatibilize these unique resins with the associated composite manufacturing processes, and to thoroughly test and evaluate the resins properties and performance.