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Swimming Pool
Resin
Vinyl
ester vs. Poly ester Resins
Vinyl ester resins are similar in their
molecular structure to polyesters, but differ primarily in the location
of their reactive sites, these being positioned only at the ends
of the molecular chains. As the whole length of the molecular chain
is available to absorb shock loadings this makes vinyl ester
resins tougher and more resilient than polyesters.
The vinyl ester molecule also features
fewer ester groups. These ester groups are susceptible to water
degradation by hydrolysis which means that vinyl esters exhibit
better resistance to water and many other chemicals than their polyester
counterparts, and are frequently found in applications such as pipelines
and chemical storage tanks.
The figure below shows the idealized chemical
structure of a typical vinyl ester. Note the positions of the ester
groups and the reactive sites (C* = C*) within the molecular chain.
The molecular chains of vinyl ester, represented
below, can be compared to the schematic representation of polyester
shown previously where the difference in the location of the reactive
sites can be clearly seen:
With the reduced number of ester groups
in a vinyl ester when compared to a polyester, the resin is less
prone to damage by hydrolysis. The material is therefore sometimes
used as a barrier or 'skin' coat for a polyester laminate that is
to be immersed in water, such as in a boat hull. The cured molecular
structure of the vinyl ester also means that it tends to be tougher
than a polyester.
Pool Resurfacing, Inc.
332 Bustleton Pike
Feasterville-Trevose, PA 19053
Fiberglass resurfacing products
for gunite, plaster, and concrete swimming pools plus gel
coat paint and vinyl ester resin for fiberglass swimming pools
now available in the US, Mexico, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands,
British West Indies, and the Caribbean!
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