Abstract
Unsaturated polyester resins (UPRs) are the backbone of the composites industry with an approximate three-quarter of the total resins used. Though they provide excellent properties, such as chemical and weather resistance with relatively low cost, but in general, the mechanical properties of polymers are inadequate for many structural purposes without appropriate fibres as load carrying member or constituent of composites. In particular, the strength and stiffness of these polymers are significantly low compared with metals and ceramics. This meant that there is a considerable benefit to be gained by reinforcing polymers with suitable fibres and fillers. The addition of inorganic nanoparticles into polymers have been a popular technique in order to modify the properties of matrices. Hence, this chapter focuses on the UPRs, their blends and interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) towards production of enhanced composites and nanocomposites for wider and sustainable engineering applications.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Unsaturated Polyester Resins: Fundamentals, Design, Fabrication, and Applications |
| Editors | Sabu Thomas, Mahesh Hosur, Cintil Jose Chirayil |
| Publisher | Elsevier |
| Chapter | 8 |
| Pages | 181 – 198 |
| Edition | 1st |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9780128163030 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780128161296 |
| Publication status | Published - 2019 |