GB946343A - Fibre reinforced plastics - Google Patents

Abstract

A process for the production of natural-glass-, or synthetic-fibre reinforced plastics based on polyacrylic or polymethacrylic acid esters or unsaturated polyesters using peroxide compounds and amines as catalysts is characterized in that the fibres, which may be in the form of fabrics, mats or strands are first of all treated with an N-dialkylolamine, which contains at least one aromatic radical, and/or with a tertiary aromatic amine, the boiling point of which is higher than 230 DEG C., and then either a monomeric ester (A) of acrylic or methacrylic acid or an unsaturated polyester (D) containing at least one peroxide catalyst as well as if necessary up to 50% of a polymeric substance (B) and/or up to 80% of a monomeric, polymerizable organic compound (C), is applied to the treated fibre which is then cured. Specified N-dialkylolamines are diethylol-p-toluidine, di-iso-propylol-p-toluidine, di-iso-propylol-m-toluidine, di-n-butyol-p-toluidine. Specified tertiary aromatic amines of B.P. above 230 DEG C. are tetramethyl diamino diphenyl methane, diacetic acid esters of diethylel-p-toluidine and N-tert-butylol-N-methylaniline. A suitable monomeric ester of methacrylic acid is methyl methacrylate. Specified polymeric substances are polymeric esters of acrylic or methacrylic acids. Specified monomeric, polymerizable organic compounds are styrene, vinyl acetate, acrylonitrile, vinyl toluene, diallyl-phthalate and allyl methacrylate. Suitable synthetic fibres are polyamide and polyester fibres. The amines wherewith the fibres are first treated may be applied in the form of a solution by immersion or spraying followed by drying so as to deposit the material in finely divided form. Specified solvents are methyl methacrylate, methyl acetate, acetone, methanol and water. A peroxide catalyst is included in the reagent comprising the monomeric ester of acrylic or methacrylic acid and/or an unsaturated polyester which constitutes the plastic, resin-forming composition. Suitable catalysts are all organic peroxides (e.g. benzoyl peroxide) together with optionally hydroperoxides. The resin-forming composition may be applied by spraying or sprinkling on to a fibre web after treatment of the latter with the amine reagent. Curing may be effected at room temperature or by the use of pressure and/or elevated temperature. Monomeric esters of acrylic or methacrylic acids may be applied in the form of a syrup such as a mixture with the corresponding polymers e.g. a mixture of methyl methacrylate and polymethyl methacrylate together with, optionally a regulator such as a marcaptan or a catalyst such as azodiiso-butyric dinitrile.