Styrene monomer also called polyester diluent, is used to thin gelcoats with polyester resin. It is diluant and flammable. The styrene monomers degenerate the properties of the resin if they are added excessively.
Styrene Monomer and Properties
As a solvent, styrene monomer has its own properties. The odor of the material is the first among others. The styrene monomer, which is in liquid form, is chemically colorless.
When the styrene monomer chemical substances are exposed to the light or heat, they are gradually transformed into a hard substance from the liquid form. Since the styrene monomers reduce the viscosity of the resins, the resin dilutes and the liquidity increases.
Generally, 35% of the resins contain styrene. In this case, more than 10% of stryene monomers are added into the resin for diluting the resin and the properties of the resin degenerate. Hence, it is necessary to use this material with correct proportion.
While the saturation point of the styrene monomer is -27, the boiling point is 145° C. The flash point of the styrene monomer is 31.1° C if the material is 99% pure. The styrene monomer with its unique properties is widely used in many areas.
Uses of Styrene Monomer
The styrene monomer as the chemical substance can be used in many areas with the advantages it provides, it facilitates the flowing of the resin by diluting it. However, the styrene monomer provides some effective properties for diluting the gelcoats. The styrene monomer formed by joining the molecules of its own type to for forming the polymer molecules is mainly used in the following areas:
- Polystyrene production
- Protective paints
- Styrene-rubber
- Unsaturated polyester resin
- Styrene acrylic emulsions