Phase distribution changes of neat unsaturated polyester resin and their effects on both thermal stability and dynamic-mechanical properties

A relationship between phase distribution of a commercial unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) and both thermal stability and dynamical mechanical properties, measured by thermogravimetric analysis and dynamic-mechanical analysis respectively, is observed. Changes in phase distributions are achieved varying UPR components miscibility by means of temperature. Morphologies of the internal surfaces are analyzed by atomic force microscopy showing that more homogeneous nanostructures with smaller nodules result in the increase of the storage modulus and glass transition temperature of the thermosetting UPR. Tan δ peaks show that the phase rich in UP and the phase rich in polystyrene tend to decrease their differences at higher curing temperatures. Changes in the curing mechanism and kinetics with curing temperature are verified by differential scanning calorimetry. A theoretical explanation of archived morphology is proposed using interaction parameter between UP and styrene showing that higher temperatures increased their miscibility.