Shellac as filler in sheet moulding compound

67-73Use of the natural resin shellac in general grade polyester resin based sheet moulding compound (SMC) has been examined in the manufacture of fibre-glass reinforced sheets (FRP). Use of small quantity of shellac resulted in some improvement in the mechanical properties of FRP sheets and the sheets did not deteriorate in sunlight and showed resistance towards various chemicals. The FRP sheets were also prepared based on isophthalate and bisphenol polyester resins. Shellac being natural and possessing UV ray absorbing properties, its use in the manufacture of FRP sheets is expected to make sheets more eco-friendly and last longe