CHARACTERIZATION OF SOME ALIPHATIC UNSATURATED POLYESTERS SYNTHESIZEDFOR GIGANTIC CASTINGS

A series of unsaturated polyesters (UP) based on succinic acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, maleic anhydride, ethylene glycol, diethylene gly col, triethylene glycol, and propylene glycol were prepared. The molec ular weights of the prepared UP were determined via end group analysis . The prepared polyesters were crosslinked and their mechanical proper ties were measured. Styrene (Sty) and Sty/acrylonitrile (AN) mixtures were utilized as crosslinkers. The effect of the structure of the resi ns on their curing and mechanical behavior has been investigated. On t he basis of the experimental results, we concluded that the flexibilit y increases with increasing molecular weight of the dibasic acid and i ncreasing AN content in the monomer mixture. It has been found also, t hat the embodiment of PG seems to enhance the rigidity of the cured re sin.