Vinyl ester resin

A vinyl ester resin is the material of choice when a composite part has to survive aggressive chemicals, high temperatures or constant contact with water. AOC has worked with vinylester technology for more than seven decades, starting with the Atlac® brand in the Netherlands. Today our VE resin portfolio supports fabricators worldwide in building tanks, pipes, scrubbers, boats and sewer liners that last for decades.

What makes a vinyl ester resin different?

Vinyl ester resins sit between unsaturated polyester and epoxy. They cure with the same peroxide systems and processing speed as polyester, while their molecular structure gives them far better resistance to hydrolysis, acids, alkalis and solvents. They also offer high elongation and toughness, which helps laminates withstand impact and cyclic loading.

That combination explains why many engineers search for a vinyl ester fiberglass resin when standard polyester is no longer sufficient. Glass fiber reinforced vinylester laminates combine low weight with long-term chemical durability.

Vinyl ester resin families at AOC

Not every vinylester performs the same. AOC offers several chemistries, each suited to a different set of conditions:

• Bisphenol A epoxy vinyl esters, such as Atlac® 430 and Atlac® F010 grades, for versatile use in corrosive environments.
• Novolac vinyl esters, such as Atlac® 590Z and Atlac® F086A, for higher temperatures and more aggressive media.
• Vinyl ester urethanes, such as Atlac® 580, for easy processing in tanks, pipes and marine parts.
• Styrene-free vinyl esters, such as Atlac® Premium 600 and several Beyone™ grades, for CIPP, chemical anchoring and lower emissions.

Where is vinyl ester resin used?

The main application area is corrosion-resistant equipment: storage tanks, process vessels, pipes, ducts, chimneys and linings in the chemical, water and food industries. Atlac® 5200 FC is designed for food-contact applications. Other key uses include:

• Marine: skin coats and barrier layers that protect hulls against osmosis, for example Atlac® E-Nova MA 6325 and MA 6326.
• CIPP/relining: hot cure and UV-cure liners for sewers, laterals and drinking water pipes.
• Structural SMC and pultrusion: thickenable grades such as Atlac® XP 810 X for load-bearing parts.
• Tooling: VE-based Neomould® systems for durable molds with elevated heat resistance.

Processing vinylester resins

AOC vinylester resins are available for filament winding, hand lay-up and spray-up, vacuum infusion, pultrusion and SMC/BMC. Easy-processing grades such as Atlac® E-Nova FW 2045 and Atlac® 2300 help fabricators achieve consistent wet-out and cure, even on large structures.

Choosing the right vinyl ester resin with AOC

The right grade depends on the chemicals, concentrations, temperatures and design of your equipment. With our Chemical Resistance Advice service, AOC combines decades of laboratory testing with field experience to recommend a suitable resin and laminate build-up. Explore all vinyl ester products, download the Product Selector Guide or contact our technical service.

In short, a vinyl ester resin from AOC gives you proven corrosion resistance, reliable processing and the support of a team that knows how composites behave in the field.