Matrix Systems

Evonik is one of the leading suppliers of high-performance resins and crosslinkers to the composite industry: resin modifiers and curing agents for epoxy systems, PBO crosslinked phenolic resins, bismaleimide resins (BMI) for high temperature composites, polyimides as BMI modifiers, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyamides for thermoplastic matrices, and special acrylics.

The matrix in a fiber-reinforced composite serves to:

  • keep the fibers in place,
  • transfer stresses evenly over the fibers,
  • provide a barrier under adverse conditions such as chemicals and moisture, and
  • protect the surface of the fibers from mechanical degradation, for example, as a result of abrasion.

The matrix you select has a major impact on the compressive, interlaminar shear, and in-plane shear properties of the composite material.