Initiators - ERCO

Initiators

Unsaturated polyester resins and monomers have chemical structures containing C=C double bond groups. These groups interact with each other through various chemicals to form a series of reactions and the resin is cured and finalised. During the reaction, cross-linking occurs as a result of the interaction of C=C double bonds in the polymer structure and the monomers that initiate the chain reaction. The chemicals required to initiate this reaction, called free radical polymerisation, are called initiators. In general, these initiators are known as catalysts, hardeners and even drugs.

The most widely used initiator is MEK-P (Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide). It is often used in combination with cobalt accelerators. AAP, TBPB and BPO are also widely preferred initiators. The time until the mixture solidifies and starts to take the shape of the mould is called the gel time. The mixture then heats up aggressively and will reach a high temperature; this is the end of the curing time. The highest temperature observed is called the exothermic temperature.

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