| Abstract: | The replacement of styrene by other crosslinking monomers in unsaturated polyester resins has been investigated because of the possible toxicity of this monomer and the strong smoke evolution of burning polyester materials. A theoretical study has been carried out to provide criteria for the applicability of classes of monomers in polyester curing. From this study it appeared that vinyl esters, vinyl ethers, N-vinyl lactams, and styrenes are suitable, whereas acrylic and methacrylic esters and allylic or olefinic compounds are not. Combinations of vinyl esters and (meth)acrylic esters of polyols should generate IPN-like structures. Polyesters cured by this combination of monomers gave materials with increased stiffness and strength relative to those obtained with the separate monomers and on the same level as styrene-cured polyesters. |
