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The Role of Styrene in Polyester Resins
Polyester resins are widely used in the manufacturing of composite materials. They are employed in numerous industrial sectors such as marine, swimming pool manufacturing, the automotive industry, and wind energy.
These resins generally contain styrene, a reactive monomer that allows for adjusting the resin’s viscosity and facilitating fiber impregnation.
However, during composite processing, some of the styrene can volatilize into the air.
Emission-Generating Processes
Styrene emissions primarily occur during:
- manual lamination
- simultaneous projection
- vacuum infusion
- demolding of parts
Large composite parts can generate higher emissions.
Health Risks
According to INRS prevention recommendations, exposure to styrene can lead to:
- eye irritation
- respiratory irritation
- headaches
- fatigue
In composite workshops, the odor of styrene can also become bothersome for operators.
For an overview of the dangers, consult our page on industrial composite pollutants.
Obera Solutions
Use of an extraction table to capture VOCs during compound formulation. This solution effectively protected the operator in charge of these formulations and significantly reduced the concentration of VOCs in the factory air.
