CCP Composites reports that ENCORE PRIME resins are styrene-free, have low odour, and offer the same mechanical properties as standard unsaturated polyester and vinyl ester resins.
The range is mainly targeted at high temperature moulding and more specifically SMC and CIPP applications.
According to CCP, commercially available resins for SMC have shown VOC emission reductions of an order of 2.5 and BTXES emission by -76%, in conformance to OEM odour test requirements. Unsaturated polyester resin Norsodyne® with Norsolook low profile additives is available with similar mechanical properties, and shrinkage control compared to standard polyester resin.
For CIPP, CCP Composites proposes two grades of resin with no odour for the installer or public and better conditions in the workshop during the liner impregnation. These are Norsodyne unsaturated polyester resin and a Epovia® Optimum vinyl ester resin for cure with UV light, hot water or steam.
Low odour is an important requirement for interior or enclosed space applications, notes CCP, and there are concerns about new styrene regulations.
See also:
- "No credible evidence" that styrene exposure increases human cancer risk – US study;
- European UP Resin Sector Group issues statement on styrene-free technologies;
- DSM launches range of styrene-free resins.
You can also join the ongoing debate about the safety of styrene on the Reinforced Plastics LinkedIn Group.
