| abstract |
Thixotropic cross-linkable polyester compositions are provided comprising an unsaturated polyester and an unsaturated aromatic monomer such as styrene having dispersed therein an organophilic clay gellant comprising the reaction product of a smectite-type clay having a cation exchange capacity of at least 75 milliequivalents per 100 grams of clay and a methyl benzyl dialkyl ammonium compound or a dibenzyl dialkyl ammonium compound, said alkyl groups comprising a mixture of long chain alkyl radicals having from 14 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably 16 or 18 and most preferably wherein 20% to 35% of said long chain radicals contain 16 carbon atoms and 10% to 75% of said long chain radicals contain 18 carbon atoms, the amount of said ammonium compound reacted with said clay being from 100 to 120 milliequivalents per 100 grams of clay based on 100% active clay. |