Alchemy or Chemistry?

Polymerisation!Polyester paperweights

By Adrian KT

What is an ester?

• Formed from the condensation of an alcohol and carboxylic acidEsterification

• Joined by ester linkage.• Catalysed by H+ ions

What is a Polyester?

• Poly: many• Many ester molecules joining to form a single,

long-chained polyester• Joined by the ester linkage• Can be used as fabric (soft), or as fiberglass

(hard)

Creating polyesters

• Chemical lists:Unsaturated Polyester Resin Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide

FK8 (mold releasing agent)

Creating polyesters

• Procedures:1. Weigh 80g of unsaturated polyester resin into a

paper cup.2. Add 0.8g of methyl ethyl ketone peroxide into the

cup and stir well with a glass rod.3. Spray the mould with FK84. Add your own ‘decorations’ and pour the resin

into the mould.5. Allow the resin to settle and harden.