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Polyester resin
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<p>Polyester resins are <a href="/facts/Synthetic_resin/v9gh4HDh">synthetic resins</a> formed by the reaction of <a href="/facts/Dibasic_acid/FySU18n1">dibasic</a> <a href="/facts/Organic_acids/2Pfb26Lp">organic acids</a> and <a href="/facts/Polyhydric_alcohol/kV7Uul59">polyhydric alcohols</a>. <a href="/facts/Maleic_anhydride/KfBTU8n4">Maleic anhydride</a> is a commonly used raw material with diacid functionality in <a href="/facts/Unsaturated_bond/tde2C216">unsaturated</a> polyester resins. Unsaturated <a href="/facts/Polyester/Ivp9CHpl">polyester</a> resins are used in <a href="/facts/Sheet_moulding_compound/6LLlGWte">sheet moulding compound</a>, <a href="/facts/Bulk_moulding_compound/7KJUjvIk">bulk moulding compound</a> and the <a href="/facts/Toner_(printing)/3XFFsTpE">toner</a> of <a href="/facts/Laser_printer/fJ2GrUBj">laser printers</a>. Wall panels fabricated from polyester resins reinforced with <a href="/facts/Fiberglass/T6MtJ4ep">fiberglass</a>—so-called <a href="/facts/Fiberglass_reinforced_plastic/T6MtJ4ep">fiberglass reinforced plastic</a> (FRP)—are typically used in restaurants, kitchens, restrooms and other areas that require washable low-maintenance walls. They are also used extensively in <a href="/facts/Cured-in-place_pipe/pmuEa2TW">cured-in-place pipe</a> applications. Departments of Transportation in the USA also specify them for use as overlays on roads and bridges. In this application they are known AS Polyester Concrete Overlays (PCO). These are usually based on <a href="/facts/Isophthalic_acid/82fkFEYw">isophthalic acid</a> and cut with styrene at high levels—usually up to 50%. Polyesters are also used in <a href="/facts/Anchor_bolt/N6o1po2c">anchor bolt</a> adhesives though <a href="/facts/Epoxy/PvlLBgdQ">epoxy</a> based materials are also used. Many companies have and continue to introduce <a href="/facts/Styrene/B8uXm78L">styrene</a> free systems mainly due to odor issues, but also over concerns that styrene is a potential carcinogen. <a href="/facts/Drinking_water/FmSJcKGG">Drinking water</a> applications also prefer styrene free. Most polyester resins are viscous, pale coloured liquids consisting of a solution of a polyester in a reactive diluent which is usually styrene, but can also include <a href="/facts/4-Vinyltoluene/qFfByqLH">vinyl toluene</a> and various <a href="/facts/Acrylate/C9U6rASS">acrylates</a>. </p>