Unsaturated polyester resin exhibits flame-retardant properties

Polynt (Carpentersville, Ill., U.S.) is featuring a novel flame-retardant polyester resin. Polynt A 6104 A is a pre-promoted, halogen-free unsaturated polyester formulated for use in either open or closed molding applications requiring flame retardancy. When combined with ATH filler, Polynt A 6104 A can be used to produce parts meeting flame spread and smoke requirements for the transportation industry, including rail and mass transit.

Polynt A 6104 A polyester resin is featured in the Composite One (Schaumburg, Ill., U.S.) Demo Zone as part of the Land Demonstration. Here the resin is being used to make a battery tray using a silicone bag closed mold process. The fabricated part made is intended to demonstrate the ease of use, flowability, rapid fill rate and ambient cure of Polynt A 6104 A. The battery tray is also demonstrating the concept of using this resin for articles needed in the growing transportation market. Polynt technical service representatives are available at the Demo Zone or in the company’s  booth to answer any questions regarding the resin, laminate schedule, tooling or handling of the material for this demonstration.

Composite structures made with Polynt A 6104 A have been tested to meet various flame and smoke requirements including ASTM E162-08, ASTM E662, BSS 7239, ASTM E1354 and Docket 90-A. Polynt has also developed guidelines for fabricators for filler recommendations, cure rates at various processing temperatures, filled resin viscosity profiles, initiator levels required and laminate construction. Polynt also has available mechanical profiles available for either hand layup laminates or infusion laminates.

In addition, parts fabricated with Polynt A 6104 A are said to have improved cosmetics due to the improved fiberglass pattern print-through resistance. The good reactivity and higher heat distortion temperature of the resin reduces cosmetic refinishing on the final parts even if parts are post-cured, according to the company. The viscosity profile of the resin can also enable high filler loadings (20-38%) of ATH while maintaining ease of flow and consistent curing.