The Workhorse Polymer: Understanding the Unsaturated Polyester Resin Market
Unsaturated Polyester Resin (UPR) is a true workhorse in the world of thermosetting polymers, prized for its excellent balance of performance, cost-effectiveness, and versatility. Produced through the reaction of dibasic organic acids with polyhydric alcohols, these resins are liquid at room temperature and can be cured into a hard, solid state when combined with a catalyst and typically reinforced with a material like fiberglass. This combination creates what is known as a Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) or composite. The global UPR market is a massive and mature industry, with its demand intrinsically linked to the health of the building and construction, marine, and transportation sectors. Its ability to be molded into large, complex, and durable shapes makes it an ideal material for a vast array of applications.
The building and construction industry is the single largest consumer of UPR. It is used extensively to manufacture architectural components, bathroom fixtures like bathtubs…