Unsaturated Polyester Resins (UPR) is a blend of unsaturated polyester in a reactive monomer, usually styrene. Being a viscous liquid, UPR can be implemented with a wide range of technologies and shaped in the form of objects of almost any dimension, from buttons to boat hulls.
Organic peroxides are used to cure resins by enabling synthesis of reactive monomer chains linking unsaturated sites of the polyester.
 |
| click to enlarge |
This process provides the desired mechanical properties to achieve the form and appearance of the final product.
There are two main processes to accomplish this:
- Cold process - the organic peroxide reacts in the presence of cobalt salts or organic amines at room temperature
- Hot process - the organic peroxide is thermally activated
These processes allow UPR to be:
- Used pure for the production of transparent and glossy objects
- Combined with fillers (Silica, CaCO3) and pigments for the production of synthetic marble and concrete
- Reinforced with glass fiber or glass fiber mats and shaped in a wide variety of mechanically resistant objects
End Product:
- Good mechanical performance: hardness, resistance to water and flexure
- Homogenous and glossy appearance (gel coating)
- Tighter dimensional tolerances (less trim)
Luperox® organic peroxides cover all customer requirements in reactivity both in cold and hot curing.
| 
;)
