| abstract |
Curable thermoset resin compositions are described which are useful for imparting water and/or solvent resistance to gel coated fiber-reinforced polymers. Those compositions contain at least 5 weight-percent of an at least partially end-capped unsaturated polyetherester resin, an unsaturated polyester resin in a specified amount having a specified range of unsaturation, about 10 to about 70 weight-percent of at least one vinyl monomer and a curing agent. Methods and intermediates for making those compositions, use of the curable thermoset resin compositions to make fiber-reinforced polymer composites and skin laminate intermediates for the same, and articles manufactured using the same are also described. These compositions, methods and uses improve the chemical and/or water resistance of resin compositions, particularly composite materials having a gel coat. That improvement has special significance in outdoor and marine applications, bathtubs and shower stalls, and environments exposed to chemicals, such as industrial and commercial applications. |