Thermoset comparison
Epoxy (DGEBA, amine-cured) vs Vinyl ester
Every value below is a typical room-temperature figure with its source, test method and conditions — the same dataset that drives the calculators.
Which to choose
Vinyl ester sits deliberately between the two: it keeps polyester's fast, cheap styrene processing but adds much of epoxy's toughness and, crucially, far better resistance to water and chemical attack. Epoxy still bonds better and shrinks less. Vinyl ester for corrosion service and marine laminates; epoxy where structural performance and adhesion decide.
| Property | Epoxy (DGEBA, amine-cured) | Vinyl ester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.2 g/cm³ | 1.12 g/cm³ | Epoxy (DGEBA, amine-cured) — 7% higher |
| Young's modulus E | 3.45 GPa | 3.2 GPa | Epoxy (DGEBA, amine-cured) — 8% higher |
| Tensile strength | 70 MPa | 86 MPa | Vinyl ester — 23% higher |
| Glass transition Tg | 120 °C | 120 °C | identical |
Where these numbers come from
- Daniel & Ishai, Engineering Mechanics of Composite Materials, 2nd ed.
- Ashland Derakane 411 epoxy vinyl ester resin datasheet
Typical room-temperature values for learning and preliminary design; grades vary widely and a supplier datasheet always overrides a textbook figure. Confirm against the datasheet before design work.