Overview
EN ISO 3672-2:2001 / ISO 3672-2:2000 is the international / European standard for unsaturated‑polyester resins (UP‑R) that specifies procedures for the preparation of test specimens and the determination of properties. Adopted by CEN and published as EN ISO 3672-2, this Part 2 complements the designation system in ISO 3672-1 and defines consistent sample preparation, conditioning and test-method selection so results are reproducible and comparable across laboratories and manufacturers.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and purpose: Defines methods for preparing specimens of UP‑R and for measuring properties both before crosslinking (processing characteristics) and after crosslinking (intrinsic material properties).
- Specimen preparation: Procedures and requirements for producing test sheets and cutting test specimens to ensure comparability.
- Conditioning: Specification of handling and conditioning of both the liquid resin (before moulding) and cured specimens prior to testing, referencing standard atmospheres and conditioning methods.
- Test methods referenced: Uses established international test methods for mechanical, thermal and chemical properties. Normative references include standards for:
- Tensile, compressive and flexural testing (e.g., ISO 527, ISO 604, ISO 178)
- Impact testing (Charpy and tensile‑impact, ISO 179‑1, ISO 8256)
- Water absorption and conditioning (ISO 62, ISO 291)
- Gel time, viscosity, shrinkage and density (ISO 2535, ISO 3219, ISO 3521, ISO 1675)
- Chemical analyses (hydroxyl value, acid value, residual styrene, chlorine content; ISO 2554, ISO 2114, ISO 4901, ISO 4615)
- Flammability and other properties (oxygen index, ISO 4589-2)
- Reproducibility emphasis: Stresses that using the specified specimen dimensions, preparation and conditioning procedures is essential for reproducible and comparable data.
Applications and who uses it
- Materials and polymer engineers developing or qualifying unsaturated‑polyester resins for composites, coatings, castings and molded parts.
- Quality control and testing laboratories that certify UP‑R batches or validate formulations.
- R&D teams optimizing resin formulations, cure schedules and processing parameters.
- Manufacturers and specifiers who need standardized data for product datasheets, procurement, regulatory compliance, or comparison against competing materials.
Related standards
This standard is essential when you need consistent, traceable test data for unsaturated‑polyester resins (UP‑R), enabling reliable material selection, quality assurance and product development.