Unsaturated
polyester resin
Unsaturated polyesters derive from the
1933 patent of Carleton Ellis.
Commercial development of polyesters for moulding
began in the USA in 1941 with the introduction of
a heat curing alkyl casting resin. This was
followed by a low pressure laminating resin (CR-39)
based on allyl diglycol carbonate and used for
glass fabric reinforced radomes for aircraft.
In 1946 polyester resins containing styrene were
used with a catalysed peroxide, enabling cure at
room temperature - the so-called 'cold cure'
system. Such plastics were also transparent to
radar and found immediate use for wartime
applications. GRP (glass reinforced polyester)
laminates later found extensive use in the
manufacture of boat hulls, road transport vehicle
bodies and building applications.
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