Abstract:
The cross-linking, or cure, of Scot Bader Polyester Resin Crystic 139
(L.V.) was investigated by examining the resin during cure by means of acetone
Soxhlet extractions and Barcol hardness tests. The experiments were designed
to test Funke’s hypothesis that in the cure of polyester resins the nature of
the final network is predetermined by conditions before the gel Point, and
that post-gel conditions affect the rate of cure but not the nature of the
final network and the final degree of conversion. Funke’s work was based
on analysis of the final products of hydrolytic degradation of polyesters,
which is quite different from the methods used in this investigation. It
was concluded that the evidence did not support Funke’s hypothesis and
explanations are afforded for this and suggestions for future work are
recorded.
