Unsaturated Polyester Resin That Does Not Dissolve Styrofoam

TF99-UP 40S is an unsaturated polyester resin with a special formulation that does not dissolve styrofoam, making it suitable for application on EPS foam. Models and prototypes made with styrofoam serve to protect the foam in automotive panel and composite parts production. It is applied before the styrofoam is processed with fiberglass and polyester, allowing the foam to achieve a rigid form. It is used especially in the production of sandwich panels requiring thermal insulation, such as refrigerated vehicles and cold storage warehouses. It is also preferred for coating styrofoam used in the production of decorative materials and sculptures. Surface treatments such as primer and paint can subsequently be applied over the cured resin. TF99-UP 40S contains cobalt as a catalyst; by adding only 2% MEK-P, it is easily applied with a brush in a thin layer on the surface and left to cure. Desired colors are obtained by using pigments during mixture preparation. Özge Altay Metallurgy Materials Engineer, Composite Academy Inc.