Abstract

Two different urethane acrylates (mono-acrylate and di-acrylate) were used to prepare unsaturated polyester-based hybrid gel-coats. The physical properties and surface characteristics of these gel-coats were investigated on the basis of the content and type of urethane acrylate. The set-to-touch time increased and the physical properties (surface hardness and tensile strength) decreased with an increase in the urethane acrylate content. However, the type of urethane acrylate did not affect these parameters. It was found that the optimal urethane acrylate content for the application of unsaturated poly-ester-based hybrid gel-coats is ~10 wt%.

Keywords: gel-coat;unsaturated polyester resin;hybrid;urethane acrylate;coating performance