Mechanical properties and curing of unsaturated polyester resin:A comparison between two initiators

In this study, an unsaturated polyester was cured by using two initiator namely benzoyl peroxide (BPO) and methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) in the presence of cobalt accelerator. Different amounts of initiators (i.e. 2, 4, and 6 phr) were used in formulations. The curing reaction was monitored by using a DSC technique and the mechanical properties of samples were determined by using a tensile tester. The results showed that the extend of curing reaction was higher when MEKP was used. However, the elastic modulus of samples cured in the presence of BPO was found to be higher in comparison to the other samples