Curable, styrene-containing resin compositions having reduced styrene emissions

Abstract

This invention relates to free-radical curable, styrene-containing resin compositions having reduced styrene emissions. More particularly, the invention relates to free-radical curable, styrene-containing resin compositions having reduced styrene emissions comprising: (a) a polymerizable alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylate resin, which is dissolved in styrene; (b) a paraffin wax; and (c) a fluorocarbon surfactant.

That which is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for making a free-radical curable, styrene-containing resin composition having reduced styrene emissions reacting a polymerizable alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylate resin, which is dissolved in styrene, with (a) from about 0.05 wt. % to about 0.3 wt. % paraffin wax; and   (b) from about 0.001 wt. % to about 0.1 wt. % fluorocarbon surfactant.   
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1 wherein the polymerizable alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylate resin comprises an unsaturated polyester. 
     
     
       3. The resin composition of claim 1 wherein the polymerizable alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylate resin comprises a vinyl ester. 
     
     
       4. The resin composition of claim 1 wherein the polymerizable alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylate resin comprises a urethane acrylate or methacrylate. 
     
     
       5. The resin composition of claim 1 wherein the fluorocarbon surfactant comprises a nonionic, ethoxylated fluorine compound. 
     
     
       6. The resin composition of claim 1 wherein the polymerizable alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylate resin is an unsaturated polyester. 
     
     
       7. The resin composition of claim 6 wherein the unsaturated polyester comprises an oligomer obtained by the condensation reaction of at least one unsaturated di- or polycarboxylic acid or anhydride with at least one di- or polyhydric alcohol, and at least one saturated or aromatic di- or polycarboxylic acid or anhydride. 
     
     
       8. The resin composition of claim 7 wherein the unsaturated di- or polycarboxylic acid or anhydride comprises maleic anhydride, the di- or polyhydric alcohol comprises propylene glycol, and the saturated or aromatic di- or polycarboxylic acid or anhydride comprises isophthalic acid.