Abstract
During crosslinking, unsaturated polyester shrinks 7-10 percent, leading to rough surfaces, warpage, cracks, and sink marks in some early sheet molding compounds. When thermoplastics, called low-profile additives, are added to the compound, molded parts are produced with zero shrinkage and smooth surfaces. Many mechanisms have been proposed to explain the low profile action, but these are mainly quantitative, and the best additives have been developed by trial and error. A criterion is proposed to account for the shrinkage compensation and improved surface quality.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 47-58 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Journal | Journal of Advanced Materials |
| Volume | 27 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - Oct 1995 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus Subject Areas
- General Materials Science
- Mechanics of Materials
- Mechanical Engineering