Unsaturated polyester resins and epoxy resins are two of the most popular resins used in a wide range of applications centered around epoxy and polyester. In fact, they have many things in common.
Unsaturated polyester resins
It is the most used resin. In fact, it accounts for about 75% of the resin market.
The main advantage of unsaturated polyester resins is their excellent mechanical and chemical stability. It can be combined with glass fibers to form a composite structure - fiberglass. This is an incredibly strong, lightweight and durable material with proven water resistance, abrasion resistance and protection. In addition to being relatively easy to use, it is also more flexible than carbon fiber.
The resin is fully compatible with fiberglass materials and has been used in the flat roofing market with great success for 50 years or more. It is also used in construction, the shipbuilding industry, exterior beach wall liners, pond liners, and for many other waterproofing properties.
Polyester resin requires a catalyst to cure and has a cure time of approximately 12 hours. It is UV resistant and relatively easy to use. In addition, it is temperature resistant.
Epoxy Resins
Epoxy resins are highly adhesive and durable resins that are widely used in products with often very high specifications such as aircraft components, shipbuilding and construction industries.
Elsewhere, epoxy resins are used in the industrial and commercial flooring markets, as well as in high-end areas such as space and aerospace. It is more expensive than polyester resins, but offers greater strength and therefore has more immediate applications.