Isophthalic vs. Orthophthalic Polyester Resin: which?

resin polyester liquid coating
resin polyester liquid coating

A key difference between isophthalic and orthophthalic polyester resin lies in their chemical makeup. Both are unsaturated polyester resins, but their reactions with the unsaturated double bonds of the polyester molecule differ in order to alter the final product’s performance characteristics and price point. For example, orthophthalic resins are typically stronger than isophthalic resin, so they can be used to make larger parts or parts that withstand higher pressure loads.

Isophthalic Polyester Resin

Polyesters are a type of polymer that can be used in many different applications, such as in resin for casting, molding, and extrusion. There are two main types of polyesters which differ by chain-length; isophthalic polyesters (IP) and orthophthalic polyesters (OP). IPs have shorter chains than OPs which means they can withstand heat better with higher melting points and glass transition temperatures compared to OPs. This makes IPs ideal for applications where high temperature resistance is required like automotive parts or wire insulation coatings. In other cases where low viscosity is needed or where extra flexibility or elasticity is desired, OPs might be more appropriate because they have longer chains with lower melting points than IPs.

Orthophthalic Polyester Resin

A common misconception about isophthalics and orthophthalics is that they are interchangeable for a variety of different applications and purposes. This couldn’t be further from the truth because these two types of polyester resin have different properties, handling characteristics, and chemical compositions. While both types are used to make plastics, only orthophthalics are used in automotive finishes, clear coatings and fiberglass resin where clarity is key. Differences between isophthalic and orthophthalic polyester resins might seem subtle at first glance but once we examine their molecular structure, we can see how differences in length of molecular chains within each polymer make them behave differently under certain conditions like heat or water exposure.

Which One Should I Use?

An isophthalic resin is most commonly used for synthetic rope, carpet backing, and wire insulation. Orthophthalic polyester resin offers advantages such as lower shrinkage, higher heat resistance, better chemical resistance, and a harder final product. Which one you use will depend on the application area. If you’re not sure which one to use or need help finding a suitable product for your application area, please consult with us. We’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you have!

Manufacturers of unsaturated polyester resin

We are the manufacturers of unsaturated polyester resin. We have the best prices. If you need to order a small or large quantity, we can do that for you. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions! One type of unsaturated polyester resin is called isophthalic. Isophthalic polyester has lower melt viscosity and excellent resistance to many chemicals, but it’s more costly than orthophthalic resins. In contrast, orthophthalic is more resistant to oxidative deterioration and withstands higher operating temperatures, while still being capable of producing clear resins with exceptional clarity levels. Additionally, orthophthalics also have better mechanical properties at elevated temperatures than its isophthalate counterpart. Both types are used in different manufacturing processes and require different ingredients so when ordering keep in mind which type you would like to receive your order in so our factory can make sure it’s correct before shipping!

Wholesale of unsaturated polyester resin

The wholesale of unsaturated polyester resin is an industry that is more than 50 years old, and it has become a worldwide market for many countries. The supply chain process includes the factory, shipping, and Wholesale of unsaturated polyester resin materials. Unsaturated polyester resin is not very sensitive to environmental factors, so it can be shipped without any problems to destinations all over the world. In addition, there are no restrictions on how much or how little you can purchase at one time as long as you have a valid business license with this supplier. One of the benefits of purchasing from this wholesaler is that they will ship orders out within two weeks after receiving payment. With most international wholesale suppliers, customers must pay in advance before they can start using their supply chain service. 

Unsaturated polyester resin market

The unsaturated polyester resin market has been growing at an annualized rate of 4% over the past five years, reaching a value of $7,814 million in 2017. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the same period was 2%. Demand for unsaturated polyesters is rising as manufacturers look to lower production costs by using these materials instead of saturated polyesters, which are more costly to produce and purchase. Unsaturated polyesters have higher price points than saturated polyesters because they are generally more expensive to produce; however, their increased sales volumes help offset some or all of that cost difference as demand continues to grow. 

Demand for unsaturated polyesters comes from several different industries. Demand from key markets such as paint & coatings and tire cord fabric applications will likely grow during 2018 due to price increases for saturated polymers and growth in demand from new end-use markets such as construction, automotive interiors, textiles and wire & cable insulation. Moreover, increasing use of unsaturated resins in medium-density fiberboard production should also spur sales during 2018 given its high end-market penetration. North America dominated world demand for unsaturated polyester resins in 2016 with a 44% share of global sales.

Further into polyester resin and types

Families with small children will be relieved to hear that unsaturated polyester resin is generally considered safer than other plastics for babies and toddlers because it does not contain bisphenol-A or heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic. There are also some benefits to unsaturated polyesters in terms of price and factory sales; on average it costs less to buy an ortho product and manufacturers typically have a better pricing structure when their product is purchased in higher quantities.

As an alternative, you can purchase Isophthalic or phenolic-based resins instead of mono esters for higher durability at room temperature, but your final product will most likely have some minor warping due to exposure to solvents like xylene.

Sales and support for resin products

Since we’re one of the largest suppliers of polyester resins, we not only offer resin products but also a level of support and expertise that you won’t find anywhere else. We’ll take care of any questions or concerns you might have about shipping your product and factory production, Wholesale purchases, consultancy for your company, and much more! 

Should you decide to purchase isophthalic or orthophthalic polyester resin through us, we’ll even provide support throughout the shipping process to make sure it arrives at your factory without problem. If you want additional support for shipping, Wholesale purchases and factory setups , give us a call – our consultants are ready to help with everything from advice on how best to use our products to making sure your payment has been processed. Our experienced team is always ready to help you choose what type of packaging works best with each type of resin so that they arrive in mint condition- just as they would if they came straight from our own facility here.

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