Matrix (composite)

The most common polymer-based composite materials which include carbon fibre, fibreglass and Kevlar, typically involve two parts at least, the resin and the substrate.

Mostly, MEKP (methyl ethyl ketone peroxide) is considered for polyester resin.

A curing reaction is initiated when the peroxide is combined with the resin, and decomposes to generate free radicals.

But they do not meet the strictest chemical definition of a catalyst as at the end of the reaction they do not re-appear unchanged.

The benefit of these resins is that without losing their material properties, they can be shaped and reshaped regularly.

These resins can be utilized in very cold temperature applications, such as for sensors that show whether perishable goods have warmed above a particular maximum temperature when they are acrylate-based; in space applications when they are cyanate-ester-based; in auto body and outdoor equipment repairs when they are epoxy-based.