"Front Matter". In: Modern Polyesters: Chemistry and Technology of ...

PREFACE xxxi
because of their exceptional strength at extreme temperatures and outstanding
resistance to most chemicals, weathering, radiation and burning (see Chapters 19
and 20).
Finally, glass-reinforced unsaturated polyesters are well known as building
materials for boats, yachts and cars and generally termed ‘fibre-glass resin’.
The preparation, properties and applications of these unsaturated polyesters are
summarized in Chapter 21, while the chemistry and properties of a new unsaturated
polyester resin for fibre-reinforced composite materials are discussed in
Chapter 22.
The future direction of polyester R & D efforts is likely to involve further
progress in polyester synthesis given the wide range of potential monomer combinations,
new blending technology and the use of advanced functional additives
such as nanoclay reinforcements, reactive impact modifiers, anti-hydrolysis agents
and chain extenders.
This book provides the reader with comprehensive information about polyester
resins with an emphasis on their structure–property relationships. The latest
advances in polyesters are described along with current and emerging application
areas.
John Scheirs
ExcelPlas Australia, Edithvale, Victoria, Australia
Timothy E. Long
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA