Microstructures of unsaturated polyester resins modified with reactive liquid rubbers

The work presents an analysis of the microstructure of polyester resin castings modified with two reactive liquid rubbers, which were dissolved in the resin and precipitated during curing. Samples of castings were imaged with an optical and a scanning electron microscope. The volume fraction of precipitated particles is 3–10 times greater than the introduced volume of rubber. The particles contain not only rubber, but also (co)polymerization products of styrene and/or polyester and show good adhesion to the polyester resin matrix. The size of the particles is dependent on the type and amount of rubber used.