Abstract: There is disclosed a molding compound. The molding compound preferably includes a macrocyclic oligoester that reacts with itself, a secondary compound or another macrocyclic oligoester during molding of the molding compound. Exemplary secondary compounds include a cyclic ester, a dihydroxyl-functionalized polymer or the like.

Abstract: Polyurethanes having utility, for example, as low profile additives, in polyester-based molding compositions, a method of preparing polyester-based molding compositions containing such polyurethane low profile additives and thermoset articles made with the method are disclosed. The disclosed polyurethane low profile additives can enhance the pigmentability of molded articles comprising the low profile additives. The low profile additives comprise the reaction product of a hydroxyl-terminated prepolymer and an anhydride such as a dicarboxylic acid anhydride, preferably reacted in the presence of a catalyst comprising an amine having from about 4 to 20 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Distortion control additives are disclosed which comprise a polyisocyanate, a polyol or polyol blend having a hydroxyl functionality of 2 to 3 hydroxyl groups per molecule and an average molecular weight of at least about 500 grams per gram mole, a diol chain extender having from about 2 to 35 carbon atoms per molecule and an acrylate or methacrylate having an acrylate functionality of from 1 to 5 acrylate groups per molecule. Ultraviolet-curable liquid compositions comprising an unsaturated polymeric resin, a monomer and the distortion control additives of the present invention are also disclosed. The distortion control additives can provide substantial reductions in distortion, e.g., shrinkage, of objects produced by ultraviolet curing, e.g., stereolithography.

Abstract: Additive compositions comprising ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers suitable for use in molding compositions are disclosed. The ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers have a low degree of crystallinity which can provide a desirable balance of pigmentability, shrinkage resistance and solubility in styrene when used in molding compositions containing the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing molded parts from a polyester-based curable molding composition which includes a thermostetting unsaturated polyester resin, an ethylenically unsaturated monomer which is copolymerizable with the unsaturated polyester resin to provide crosslinking, a thermoplastic low profile additive material for shrinkage control and in addition, at least one highly reactive olefinically unsaturated crosslinkable monomer, this highly reactive olefinically unsaturated material being selected from the group consisting of:a) the di-acrylate or methacrylate of a diol selected from the group consisting of hexane diols, neopentyl glycol, butylene glycol, diethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and tripropylene glycol;b) the tri-acrylate or methacrylate of trimethylol propane;c) the tetra-acrylate or methacrylate of pentaerythritol;d) the di-acrylate or methacrylate of an ethoxylated Bis Phenol A;e) the acrylate or methacrylate of isobornyl alcohol; andf) divinyl benzene.

Abstract: Unsaturated polyester fiber reinforced molding compounds containing low profile additives achieve moldings with improved shrinkage control, improved surface appearance, less separation and lower coefficient of thermal expansion by the addition of lactams.

Abstract: The method of making a reinforced composite structure utilizing an initially amorphous foam core element containing a high volume of macro and micro spheres mixed in a thermosetting resin with said core element being contained between resin-impregnated, fibrous reinforcing layers such that the resin of the core element remains in the core element when the composite is molded under heat and pressure.