Application of ftir spectroscopy to the study of curing of glass reinforced polyester composites

The effect of glass fiber reinforcements on the curing behavior of unsaturated polyester commercial resins was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Two different E-glass fibers and two commercial resins were employed. The results indicate that both the glass fiber content and the fiber size have a pronounced effect on the ultimate values of the styrene conversion. Some complications found in the infrared analysis of commercial resins are also presented.