Novel styrene-free or low styrenated thermoset resin with excellent corrosion resistance towards solvents

摘要

A novel type of thermosetting resin, Advalite vinyl hybrid resin, has been developed. This type of resin is reactive diluent free, i.e. styrene-free or without other monomer added, while having similar curing properties as styrenated polyester and vinyl ester resins and good mechanical properties. Hence, this type of thermoset resin can both give advantages where styrene emissions need to be reduced or eliminated or where, for instance, epoxy systems can be replaced with faster curing resin systems. The molecular structure of the resin type proposes good chemical resistance, especially towards diffusing media. A study on corrosion resistance towards solvents, for instance found in the oil gas sector, was conducted as well as of other application properties. This paper aims to presents the findings of this study. The studied Advalite resin systems, as styrene free or low styrenated resin modification (max 5% styrene), were found to have very good corrosion resistance properties towards the tested alcohols, aromatics, alkanes and fuel mixtures, exceeding in some environments even those of standard epoxy novolac vinyl ester resins. Another benefit found was a more effective post-curing of this type of resin compared to the standard styrenated solvent resistant resin at given temperature. This opens for interesting new applications in solvent environments where high corrosion resistance is required and styrene emission or flammability may be a concern. The application properties are illustrated for using the developed low styrene resin for a composite floating roof in large storage tanks.