Low Styrene UPR (<35% Styrene)

CAS 26455-61-8In StockSample available

Key Features

  • Styrene content below 35% wt for OEL compliance
  • Comparable reactivity to standard grades
  • Drop-in replacement requiring no process changes
  • Reduced workplace air monitoring burden
  • Compatible with standard MEKP/cobalt cure systems

Low Styrene UPR is a specially formulated unsaturated polyester resin containing less than 35% styrene monomer by weight, designed to comply with increasingly strict occupational exposure limits (OEL) for styrene in Europe, North America, and other regulated markets. The formulation achieves reduced styrene content while maintaining the viscosity (350-550 mPa·s) and reactivity needed for standard open-mold processes.

The resin uses a higher-molecular-weight polyester base with optimized maleate/fumarate ratio to deliver comparable mechanical properties to standard grades despite the lower styrene content. Flexural strength of cured laminates is 100-115 MPa with a modulus of 3.5-4.0 GPa. Gel time at 25°C with 1.5% MEKP is 15-25 minutes, preserving normal shop-floor processing windows.

This resin is recommended for fabricators seeking to reduce workplace styrene emissions without switching to styrene-free systems, providing a practical compliance pathway while retaining familiar processing characteristics. Suitable for hand lay-up, spray-up, and contact molding of industrial enclosures, transportation panels, and construction FRP.

Specifications

ParameterValue
Acid Value14-22 mg KOH/g
AppearanceClear to pale yellow liquid
Density (25°C)1.13-1.15 g/cm³
Styrene Content<35%
Viscosity (25°C)350-550 mPa·s
Flexural Strength (cured)100-115 MPa
Gel Time (25°C, 1.5% MEKP)15-25 min

Applications

Hand lay-up panels in regulated workplacesSpray-up transportation compositesIndustrial enclosures and coversConstruction FRP cladding panelsCompliance-driven open-mold FRP fabrication

FAQ

In the EU (REACH regulation and SCOEL), the short-term OEL for styrene is 100 ppm (8-hour TWA target 50 ppm). In the US, OSHA PEL is 100 ppm TWA and ACGIH TLV is 20 ppm. Low styrene resins (<35%) reduce source emissions significantly, though engineering controls (ventilation, enclosure) are still required for full compliance.

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