Green Composites Through the Use of Styrene-Free Resins and Unsaturated Polyesters Derived from Renewable and Recycled Raw Materials

摘要

Unsaturated polyester and vinyl ester resins traditionally have been wholly derived from petrochemicals and con-tain high concentrations of styrene, a hazardous air pol-lutant. Until recently, resins prepared from green feed-stocks such as renewable or recycled materials, and res-ins employing alternate non-HAP monomers have failed to meet performance requirements. Resins presented herein are partially derived from biologically renewable resources and recycled materials, without sacrificing per-formance. In addition, presented here are new resin sys-tems that have been developed to offer styrene-free and ultra-low VOC resins to produce more ecologically friendly composites. Applications of these resin systems include cured-in-place-pipe, marine, fire retardant, solid surface and general purpose laminating.