Networks as the basis of pre-thickening sheet moulding compounds
September 22nd, 1987
Paper published by Elsevier, “Biological and Synthetic Polymer Networks”, 321-334 (Editor: O Kramer) 1987.
S F Bush with J M Methven and D R Blackburn
Abstract
The formation of a temporary network by a saturated polyester added to an unsaturated resin appears to provide both an attractive route to the pre-thickening of such resins when used in Sheet Moulding Compounds, and a means of controlling their shrinkage during moulding. It is believed that this is the first report of a successful method of achieving both goals with a single material. The network is based upon the formation of precrystalline clusters of polymer chain segments. The density and character of the network are determined by the compatibility of the saturated polyester and the unsaturated resin.