Abstract: Multi-modal vinyl ester resins having one or more of good fracture toughness, good processing viscosity, and low volatile organic compound emissions are provided. The multi-modal vinyl ester resins are the reaction product of a liquid or crystalline epoxy and an amorphous, solid epoxy, as determined at 25° C., with a vinyl carboxylic acid. The multi-modal vinyl ester resins may contain a reactive diluent, though generally, lower reactive diluent contents are required for such resins than for similar, commercially available vinyl ester resins.

Abstract: Novel fatty acid monomers and methods for their synthesis are provided for use in polymerization reactions. Fatty acid monomers are employed as reactive diluents in the polymerization of vinyl esters and polyesters for one or more purposes selected from improving the fracture resistance, lowering the processing viscosity and reducing the volatile organic compounds present in the polymerization mixture.

Abstract: The synthesis of liquid molding resins derived from plant oils that are capable of curing to high modulus thermosetting polymers and composites is described in this invention. The resins described resemble the unsaturated polyester, vinyl ester and epoxy resins presently used as the polymer matrix material in high performance glass, carbon, aramid and natural fiber reinforced composite materials. The resins disclosed herein are suitable for polymer and composite manufacture by Resin Transfer Molding (RTM), Reaction Injection Molding (RIM), Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM), Seeman's Composite Resin Infusion Manufacturing Process (SCRIMP), Atmospheric Pressure Molding (APM), open mold casting, spray-up, Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) Bulk Molding Compound (BMC), filament winding, pultrusion, prepregs, lamination and compression molding.