Vinyl Ester Vs Polyester Strength

Glass fabric has about 6 stretch to failure.

Vinyl ester vs polyester strength.

While vinyl ester resins are classified as polyester based formulations they are actually an intermediate between a polyester backbone and epoxy terminations on the ends of the molecules. So does most room temperature epoxy and many vinylesters. Why epoxy is preferable to vinylester and both are preferable to polyester. Epoxy resin should be used.

Polyester stretch to failure is everyone. Vinylester the vinylester resins are only about 1 3rd as strong as the epoxy. Resin has a short shelf life. Vinyl ester resin is a high performance resin that provides improved strength properties and inhibits water penetration into the laminate a process commonly referred to as osmosis.

Vinyl ester has a shelf life of 3 months. Try to store the resin in a cool dry place or refrigerate do not freeze it to extend the life of the resin. Essentially they comprise a base of polyester resin strengthened with epoxy molecules in the backbone of the molecular chain. There are many good reasons to use epoxy instead of polyester.

When higher strength bond and water resistance is required such as keel rudder repair or out board transom replacement use lbi s 302 isothalic polyester resin. Vinyl esters also use peroxides e g. Standard pool failures with polyester resin standard fiberglass pool manufacturers only use vinyl ester resin in one layer of the swimming pool as vinyl ester resin. In the case where a part originally manufactured utilizing polyester or vinylester has yielded to strain and cracked a well reinforced epoxy repair will tenaciously hold to the substrate with 2000 psi strength vinylester.

Vinyl ester resins offer increased strength corrosion resistance and durability and are used in a wide variety of applications. If strength is part of the reason why you are purchasing this product avoid polyester resins for carbon fiber and kevlar bonding. First stretch to failure. The styrene in the polyester or vinyl ester resin will melt it.

Vinyl ester resins are produced by the reaction esterification between an epoxy resin and an unsaturated monocarboxylic acid. So in tension the glass is only loaded to about 17 of its strength. Many high strain repair areas and lightweight parts must flex and strain without micro fracturing. When using vinyl ester resin be sure to use it quickly after purchasing.