The mechanical performance of composite materials is determined by the mechanical properties of their individual components and the effective load transfer between these components. Binders are commonly used to bond composite components together and to provide effective load transfer between them. In wood-based composites the binder-component load transfer occurs at...
Most of existing commercial unsaturated polyester (UPE) resins are typically composed of a UPE and a high amount of highly volatile, flammable, and toxic styrene. The emission of hazardous styrene in the handling of the UPE resins and the preparation and use of fiber-reinforced UPE composites poses severe hazards to...