Translation #1 – saturated/thermoplastic turns to a liquid when heated and freezes to a very glassy state when cooled sufficiently. Saturated polyesters are primarily used in the paint industry for general industrial coating.
Translation #2 - unstaturated/thermoset is material that irreversibly cures. The cure may be done through heat or a chemical reaction. Unsaturated polyesters are used for castings, glass fiber laminates and adhesive systems. 
It's these adhesive systems that are used in the stone industry – primarily in the stone countertop segment. Unsaturated polyesters are two part systems consisting of a resin and peroxide based catalyst, a strict mix ratio is not required for cure. Unsaturated polyesters have greater shrinkage and less chemical resistance than epoxy adhesives.
Benefits of Unsaturated Polyesters:
- Fast curing
- Low cost
- Perfect for more porous stone, such as Marble
Specific uses with stone can be:
- Interior use
- Laminating Countertop Edges
- Rodding Thin Stone and Countertops
- Countertop Seaming
Have you used Polyesters? If so, what has been your experience with them. If not, why not? * * Stay tuned for the next part of our Structural Adhesives postings as we tackle Epoxy next. * *
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