Preparation, morphology and thermal properties of rubber-modified polyester resins

The preparation of polyester resin blends consisting of an unsaturated polyester resin matrix and rubbery particles comprising three radially-alternating glassy and rubbery layers is described. The morphology of the resin blends was examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) while thermal properties were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). The results show that the particles were prepared with good control of particle size and morphology. DMTA results showed no reduction in the Tg of the matrix whilst the shear modulus of modified materials was found to be lower than that of the matrix material.