Vinyl ester

Vinyl Ester, or Vinylester, is a resin produced by the esterification of an epoxy resin with an unsaturated monocarboxylic acid. The reaction product is then dissolved in a reactive solvent, such as styrene, to a 35–45 percent content by weight.

It can be used as an alternative to polyester and epoxy materials in matrix or composite materials, where its characteristics, strengths, and bulk cost intermediate between polyester and epoxy. Vinyl ester has lower resin viscosity (approx 200 cps) than polyester (approx 500cps) and epoxy (approx 900cps).

In homebuilt airplanes, the Glasair and Glastar kit planes made extensive use of vinylester fiberglass-reinforced structures. It is a common resin in the marine industry due to its increased corrosion resistance and ability to withstand water absorption. Vinyl ester resin is extensively used to manufacture FRP tanks and vessels as per BS4994. For laminating process, vinyl ester is added with ratio between methyl ethyl ketone peroxide. By adding this,the composite material is quickly curing within 8 hours. It has more strength and mechanical properties than polyester and epoxy resin.

References

• ResinNavigator.org's Epoxy-based vinyl esters benefits