What is Vinyl ester resin?

Vinyl ester resin combines the properties of epoxy and polyester resins. Therefore, it has chemical resistant properties that epoxy resins also have.

Vinyl ester resins have superior chemical resistance and toughness properties compared to unsaturated polyesters. Epoxy resin gives this resin greater durability and flexibility. Compatible with glass fiber, carbon and aramid fiber, this resin class is used in various fields. These resins are Bisphenol-A epoxy based resins. They have high heat and corrosion resistance due to their Bisphenol-A properties. Thanks to their excellent adhesion properties, they show high performance even in acidic and alkaline environments. With all these general properties, they are used in different application areas, especially in chemistry.

In Which Areas Is Vinyl ester Resin Used?

Vinyl ester resin is used in various fields thanks to its high performance and excellent adhesion. It is a class of resins used especially in composite manufacturing and in the production of various structures. The chemical resistance of these resins, which have high resistance to acids, bases and other substances, offers flexibility in use in different applications. Industrial plants where chemical processes are carried out are one of these application areas. The usage areas of these resins are as follows:

FRP storage tanks, containers and ducts: Used in these applications due to its mechanical strength, high temperature resistance and light weight. In the design and manufacturing process of FRP structures, it presents these prominent features. Therefore, storage tanks, containers, ducts and similar structures are designed to be more durable and long-lasting.
Construction of equipment for chemical factories: It is used to make equipment for chemical factories because of its high resistance to chemical reactions such as acidic and alkaline. Electrolysis vessels and anti-corrosion coating are just a few examples of such equipment.
Pulp and paper applications: It is used in these applications because it is resistant to chemicals and easy to process. It is preferred as a suitable option for ducts and equipment used in pulp and paper processing.
Marine Used in construction equipment requiring heavy load carrying capacity thanks to its wide mechanical properties. Racing and speed boats, large-scale boat building, sailboat masts and windsurfing are examples of these uses.
Production of water equipment: Due to its high water resistance, it is used in equipment such as hot water and solar collectors, fish breeding ponds, thermal bath equipment, boiler tanks.
All these are the areas of use of resin products with Bisphenol-A epoxy based resin properties. It is also preferred for infusion and RTM applications. Military and defense industry and wind turbine blades are also among the areas of use. This resin can also be used for various applications in different production methods. Suitable for hand lay-up, filament winding, spraying, compression molding and transfer molding techniques.

Vinylester Resin Properties

Vinyl ester resin has many different properties. This resin class has high chemical resistance even at the highest temperatures among unsaturated resins. Thanks to the optimum accelerator in its content, it provides ease of use by hardening immediately in the areas where it is used. In general, the properties of this resin are as follows:

It is light yellow in color.
It contains 42-48% styrene.
Shelf life is 10 months.
Easy to process.
It is low viscosity, therefore easy to pour and fully suitable for vacuum infusion.
As it dries in the air in the shortest time, it can be used in areas that require fast application.
The gel-hardening interval is shorter and characterized by reduced stress cracking.
It provides FRP equipment with higher elongation and increased toughness.
The lighter color makes it easier to see and correct imperfections while the resin can still be applied.
Longer shelf life provides manufacturers with additional flexibility in storage and transportation.
With its high temperature resistance, it adapts to working environments requiring very high temperatures. Especially chemical industries are ideal for this use.
With its high strength properties, it is one of the best options for load carrying applications that require high carrying capacity.

Vinyl ester resin has an influential role in fields ranging from chemical industries to the automotive sector. This resin class, like the others, is processed in composite production and produced for sectors with different properties. These resins, which have an important place in polymer chemistry, are synthetic. For this reason, it also provides advantages to areas of use with its light weight. Despite its light weight, its high durability makes it particularly useful in the automotive sector. Since it is resistant to heat, water and chemicals, it continues to be developed and applied in different sectors today.