The right resin for any requirement

We come to the first important decision for the optimum
GRP system with the selection of the suitable resin and hardener.
Our criteria are the medium – what resistance is needed? –,
the working temperature and local operating parameters.
You can find precise details concerning the resistance of the
various resin types from our chemical resistance list.

Here is a summary of the resin types which we use the most:

Isophthalic acid – low chemical resistance

GRP pipes and containers made from isophthalic resin are ideal for cooling
water and similar applications.
They are particularly economic if there are low demands
for chemical resistance.
The temperature resistance is up to 80º C.

The principle: The integration of resin and hardener occurs in a monomer solution
 – as long as monomers are available.
The changeover into the spatially cross-linked form is chemically initiated by catalysts
(e.g. peroxide).

Vinyl ester resins – chemical resistant standard

Bisphenol-A vinyl ester resins such as Derakane 411 are the standard resins
in the area of pipeline construction and container manufacturing.
Here we combine high resistance to many media
(acids, brines, bleaching agents and solvents) with good processability.
We at Fiberpipe use vinyl ester resin pipes in temperatures of
up to 95º C. If gases are to be conveyed, higher
temperatures are also possible (please see our chemical resistance list).

The principle: Vinyl esters which are dissolved in styrene harden through copolymerisation
with the solvent in a cross-linked way. These further linking results in
oscillation resistant, hard and tough products.

Novolaks – high temperatures and chemical resistance

Novolak vinyl ester resins such as Derakane 470 are designed for
maximum thermal and chemical resistance. They are particularly well-suited
for use in contact with solvents, acids and oxidising
substances – such as chlorine gas.

Through their good toughness at high temperatures of up to 170º C
they have also proven excellently in exhaust gas applications.

The principle: Novolak vinyl ester, dissolved in styrene, also harden through
copolymerisation with the solvent in a cross-linked way.

Epoxy resins – maximum resistance and resistance to high temperatures

Preparing our combination is very demanding, resin and hardener, for example,
must be preheated at a particular temperature.
We process bisphenol-A epichlorohydrin epoxy resin with so-called
aromatic amine hardening.

It is precisely with this combination that we achieve the best resistance against
a great number of acids, brines, solvents or oils and oil products.
Through the high degree of cross-linking and the very dense molecule lattice, our
epoxy resin pipes and containers can also be used at significantly higher temperatures
including for liquid media.

Up to 130º C is possible
(you can also find out more about this on the chemical resistance list.)

The principle: The reactants are embedded in the molecule lattice through a
poly-addition reaction. Unlike in the case of polyester or vinyl ester resins,
here we ensure that the stoichiometric equivalent is precisely maintained.
In this way, we achieve the highest quality and resistance.