POLYESTER RESINS

What is Polyester Resin? Polyester resin is one of the most popular types of resin in the world. This is due to its excellent resistance to water and chemicals, good durability, affordability, and temperature resistance. Since its creation in the mid-20th century, polyester resins have become a leading choice in a wide variety of situations, including model making, shipbuilding, and even for coating swimming pools. It's usually seen as an alternative to epoxy resin, which does have some advantages, but is much more expensive and can be harder to use in some situations. One of the biggest drawbacks of polyester resin is that it emits gases, especially in the early stages of use. However, when used outdoors, these issues are not as relevant, which is why it still has many applications. Different Types of Polyester Resin There are two main types of polyester resins used today - orthophthalic and isophthalic. Both of them are quite similar but have a few distinct characteristics that determine which one should be used in different situations. Orthophthalic resins are made almost exclusively of orthophthalic acid, hence the name. It's a very popular type of resin that's affordable and suitable for many basic uses. It doesn't have very good high-temperature resistance and is also a bit more prone to corrosion than some of the other poly resins. However, the low cost and good value make it an excellent choice when you don't have strict requirements. Meanwhile, isophthalic polyester contains more styrene and is much better at handling more challenging conditions. It's not only much more effective at withstanding high temperatures but also has better mechanical properties, is more resistant to corrosion, and has excellent versatility. Even though it is a bit more expensive, isophthalic polyester resins are still very affordable and can be used in various situations. One common use is polyester fiberglass resin, as its durability and better strength are vital components when fabricating with the material. Reasons to Buy Polyester Resin If you're still unsure whether polyester resins are the right choice in your situation, let's look at why you should consider it. One of the biggest advantages it can offer is the polyester resin price. It can be very affordable, especially if you consider that it has many unique benefits in terms of its qualities and potential uses. For one thing, even though clear polyester resin might not be the most water-resistant option, it can still offer adequate performance and excellent value for the price. It also provides resistance against a variety of chemicals, which is an important consideration in some industries. If you choose isophthalic resin, you can also take advantage of its ability to withstand temperatures of up to 80 degrees celsius. As mentioned before, this type of polyester resin is also excellent at binding with fiberglass, which is a difficult material to work with. Epoxy Resin vs. Polyester Resin Since epoxy and polyester resins are the two most popular choices, you're probably wondering which one to choose for your project. To help you make an informed decision, let's look at some of the biggest differences between the two. When it comes to bonding strength, epoxy resin is the clear winner, offering as much as four times more strength per square inch than polyester resin. What's more, epoxy resin is more water-resistant and is the better choice if the resin will be exposed to water often. Another issue with polyester resin is that it can be more fragile. If exposed to strong impact, polyester tends to crack or even break altogether, while epoxy shows better durability across the board. Polyester usually has a shorter cure time (although it can be manipulated for both epoxy and polyester resin), which can be a bonus in certain situations. But it also tends to produce gasses and odor, which make it less suitable for indoor use. But while epoxy does have benefits in certain situations, it is also significantly more expensive, which means that if it meets your requirements, the polyester resin price might make it the smarter choice. Why Choose Plastic Materials for Your Polyester Resin Needs Finding where to buy polyester resin isn't always easy, especially if you have specific requirements. You need a company with a track record of success and a reputation for delivering quality products for its clients. Since opening in 1966, Plastic Materials has been a leading brand in the composite industry. Over that time, the company has served thousands of clients across the country, working with smaller shops, large corporations, and even governments. Because of that, when you work with us, you can take advantage of our experience and rest assured that we'll supply you with polyester resin for sale, guiding you through the entire purchasing process. We can help you figure out the best option for your needs, whether you're looking to buy a polyester resin gallon or have questions about which polyester laminating resin you should choose. If you want to learn more about our selection or have questions about which resin to use, contact us today and we'll answer any questions you might have.