Methacrylate monomer as an alternative to styrene in typical polyester-styrene copolymers

摘要

This study presents the research on the influence of crosslinking monomers [styrene and diethylene glycol dimethacrylate (DEGDMA)] on the properties of unsaturated polyester resins (UPRs). Syntheses of the unsaturated polyesters (UPs) modified with benzyl alcohol were carried out. Then, each polyester was used in preparation of five resin solutions with different amounts of crosslinking monomers acting as reactive diluents. These diluents improve the processability of UPs reducing their viscosities. They also take part in crosslinking of resins during copolymerization process. The properties of the prepared UPRs systems were investigated before and after the curing process. The measurements of their viscosity, reactivity, mechanical properties, thermal stability (thermogravimetry), and dynamic mechanical analysis were performed. Resins where DEGDMA was used as reactive diluent were characterized by the largest viscosities in comparison to styrene ones. The type of the used monomer influenced also degree of the resin crosslinking. (c) 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47735.