Abstract: Formulations comprising an isosorbide-modified unsaturated polyester comprising maleic acid, fumaric acid, itaconic acid or maleic anhydride and isosorbide and one or more low profile additives. The formulations exhibit better shrink control in molding compound formulations with standard low profile additives than their non-isosorbide-modified analogues. These isosorbide-modified unsaturated polyester resins may be applied in molding compounds like sheet molding compounds or bulk molding compounds and may be components of fiber reinforced composites or other composite materials.

Abstract: Gelcoat compositions comprising a base resin, a reactive diluent component, a pigment and more than about 2% by weight inorganic extended fillers wherein the reactive diluent component either a) comprises styrene and one or more alternative reactive diluents or b) consists of one or more alternative reactive diluents. Also, disclosed is watercraft made with these gelcoat compositions. Further, a process for making gelcoat compositions is disclosed wherein some or all of the styrene in the reactive diluent component is replaced with one or more alternative reactive diluents.

Abstract: Low shrinkage sheet molded composite (SMC) formulations and methods for producing low shrinkage sheet molded composites from the SMC formulations are provided. Thermosetting low (LPA) profile additive compositions and the use of thermosetting LPA compositions in producing low shrinkage sheet molded composites are also provided. The LPA compositions allow for the production of sheet molded composites with a high quality surface profile which have both high mechanical and dimensional stability.