Abstract: A low tack, low VOC gel coat is disclosed comprising a unsaturated polyester resin derived from maleic anhydride and up to about 30% of an organic solvent. The resin is characterized by: a viscosity of less than or equal to about 1750 cp at 70% NVM in styrene; a glass transition temperature greater than or equal to about 11° C.; and a weight average molecular weight less than or equal to about 6,050. A process for making such a gel coat is also disclosed.

Abstract: Partially cured gel coats are prepared in a manner for subsequent application to a substrate, e.g. a reinforcing polymer matrix, by a process comprising the steps of: A. Applying a gel coat, e.g., an unsaturated polyester resin, to a nonporous mold, e.g., a polyester film, which is at least partially transparent to actinic radiation, e.g. UV light; and B. Exposing the surface of the gel coat that is in contact with the film, i.e., the bottom surface, to actinic radiation that has first passed through the mold. In certain embodiments of the invention, the surface of the gel coat opposite the bottom surface, i.e., the top surface, is exposed to actinic radiation shortly after the bottom surface is exposed to the actinic radiation to effect a bi-directional cure of the gel coat. The gel coat produced by the process of the invention is nonporous and essentially defect-free.

Abstract: Polyester resin-based molding compositions, and methods for making and using the same, are described which have an improved maturation profile upon addition of a thickening agent. The improved maturation profile results from the presence of at least one multivalent metal salt of a non-fatty acid or anhydride in the molding composition added in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: (Meth)acrylic copolymers of general formula ##STR1## in which: the M.sup.+ are monovalent cations arising from the neutralization of the --COOH groups, it being possible, however, for this neutralization to have been only partial;R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are chosen from: hydrogen, long-chain linear or branched cycloalkyl or alkyl radicals and aryl radicals having from 8 to approximately 22 carbon atoms, with the condition that at least one of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is not hydrogen;R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are independently chosen from: the hydrogen atom, short-chain cycloalkyl or alkyl radicalshaving from 1 to 7 carbon atoms and aryl radicals having from 6 to 7 carbon atoms;R.sub.5, R.sub.6, and R.sub.7 are each, independently of one another, chosen from the hydrogen atom and the methyl radical;.tau..sub.1 is the molar level of long-chain amide units in the copolymer; and.tau..sub.2 is the molar level of short-chain amide units optionally present in the copolymer.