Resins are used in the manufacture of machines, in shipbuilding, in chemical plants. This material is needed as an impregnation during the creation of parts. They help improve wood, carbon fiber or fiberglass materials. The most popular are polyester and epoxy resins. They have their pros and cons.
Polyester resin
Products are always based on polyester, but other elements may differ. The coating can be given additional strength if additional coating is applied.
Application area: construction industry, enterprises for the production of transport, machinery and parts, chemical organizations, fiberglass, etc.
Advantages of polyester:
- affordable cost;
- excellent strength;
- resistance to chemical elements;
- products have dielectric properties;
- there are no hazardous components that evaporate;
- does not harm humans and the environment;
- no special temperature is required for solidification;
- ease of use.
Cons of polyester resin
All the disadvantages can be reduced to a single indicator - this composition is one-component. When a chemical reaction is triggered, the material will become hard and unsuitable for further manipulation. If we talk about epoxy, then it can be thinned and applied to any surface. However, it does not have an expiration date.
Another disadvantage is the high flammability due to the presence of additional solvents in the composition. In this case, the resin is subject to a combustion process similar to wood materials. Polyester also has a low level of adhesion and a high shrinkage threshold. Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting a fairly high rate of water filtration. These products are widely used, but they must be selected based on the needs.
Resin of the Polimal trade mark is highly valued on the market, the products of which have improved properties.
Characteristics of epoxy resin
It consists of elements of a synthetic nature. Most often, products are used in two components. After hardening, the coating becomes very durable, invulnerable to destructive factors. It is worth noting that the coating is afraid of acetone or other destructors, since it can deteriorate after being hit.
Benefits of epoxy:
- no harmful fumes;
- slight shrinkage;
- the surface is not afraid of a humid environment;
- ease of grinding;
- the ability to connect non-porous materials;
- drying hot and cold.
Scope of application: in the production of aircraft structures for the impregnation of fiberglass, for hull processing, at mechanical engineering enterprises, for the manufacture of electronics, plastics, in other areas of industry.
Disadvantages:
- high material price;
- sometimes inconvenient polymerization period.
The difference between polyester resin and epoxy The properties possessed by polyester resins are superior to those of epoxy resins. However, in order for the coating to be more durable, additional components must be added to them.
