ABSTRACT
Unsaturated polyester resin (UPR), which was first commercially produced in the 1940s, is the most suitable thermoset having industrial importance and economic potential. The versatile UPRs are frequently utilized as thermosetting polymeric resins in the composites sector as coatings and matrices, accounting for around three-quarters of all thermoset resins used. The capacity to chemically modify UPRs with cross-linkers makes them useful. UPRs are almost ubiquitous in the composites business, with applications in laminates, adhesives, surface coatings and sealants, among others. The main benefits of these UPRs are their mechanical properties, dimensional stability, resistance to chemicals, dielectric and weather resistance. Additionally, their ability to be processed using traditional processes, as well as their low cost, is advantageous. This chapter mainly focuses on polyester resin materials. Polymer matrix composites are the first to be discussed followed by their manufacturing and strengthening processes. Finally, the qualities of such composites, as well as their potential developments, are explored.
