# Matrix (composite) > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Matrix_(composite) > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Matrix_(composite).md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matrix_(composite) > Source revision: 1335192075 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Constituent of a composite material For other uses, see [Matrix](/source/Matrix_(disambiguation)). Structure of glass bead’s matrix, including interactions with ionic metals In [materials science](/source/Materials_science), a **matrix** is a constituent of a [composite material](/source/Composite_material).[1][2] ## Functions A matrix serves the following functions:[3][4] - It binds the fiber reinforcement. - It provides the composite component its shape and directs its surface quality. ## Organic Matrices Traditional materials such as glues, muds have traditionally been used as matrices for [adobe](/source/Adobe) and [papier-mâché](/source/Papier-m%C3%A2ch%C3%A9). The common matrices are polymers (mainly utilized for fibre reinforced plastics). The most common polymer-based composite materials which include [carbon fibre](/source/Carbon_fibre), [fibreglass](/source/Fibreglass) and [Kevlar](/source/Kevlar), typically involve two parts at least, the resin and the substrate.[5] [Asphalt concrete](/source/Asphalt_concrete), which is often used in the construction of roads, has a matrix called [bitumen](/source/Bitumen). Mud (wattle and daub) has observed considerable use.[6] [Epoxy](/source/Epoxy_resin) is utilized as a structural glue or structural matrix material in the aerospace industry. Epoxy resin is, when cured, nearly transparent.[7] [Polyester resin](/source/Polyester_resin) is fit for most backyard projects. It tends to have a yellowish colour.[8] It is often used in the construction of surfboards and for marine applications.[9] They are usually coated as they can tend to deteriorate over time and sensitive to ultraviolet. Peroxide is considered as the hardener of polyester resin. Mostly, MEKP ([methyl ethyl ketone peroxide](/source/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. In these systems, often hardeners are called catalysts. 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.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] [Vinyl ester resin](/source/Vinyl_ester_resin) has a lower viscosity than polyester resin and is more transparent. It also tends to have a purplish to bluish to greenish tint. The price of the vinyl ester resin is similar to that of the polyester resin. It utilizes the same hardeners as polyester resin (at a similar mix ratio). It doesn't degrade much over time, when compared to polyester resin, and is more flexible. Generally, vinyl ester resin is considered as fuel resistant. However, it will melt when in contact with gasoline.[10] [Shape memory polymer](/source/Shape_memory_polymer) (SMP) resins are those materials that their shape and can be modified regularly by heating above their [glass transition](/source/Glass_transition) temperature (T*g*). They become elastic and flexible when heated, allowing for easy configuration. They maintain their new shape when they are cooled. When they are reheated above their T*g,* they will return to their original shape. 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 making shape memory composites. Depending on their formulation, they have varying visual characteristics. 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.[11][12] ## Inorganic Matrices Cement (concrete), ceramics, sometimes glasses and metals are employed. Unusual matrices such as ice are sometimes proposed as in [pykecrete](/source/Pykecrete). ## References 1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** says, Rick Coglianese (2013-08-09). ["Composite Matrix Materials"](https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=9814). *AZoM.com*. Retrieved 2020-12-16. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["5.2. Organic Matrix Composite Materials | Engineering360"](https://www.globalspec.com/reference/72603/203279/5-2-organic-matrix-composite-materials#:~:text=5.2.-,Organic%20Matrix%20Composite%20Materials,manner%20and%20mainly%20contributing%20mechanically.). *www.globalspec.com*. Retrieved 2020-12-16. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["The matrix"](https://www.compositesworld.com/articles/the-matrix). *www.compositesworld.com*. Retrieved 2020-12-16. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Organic Matrix of Composite Materials"](https://www.pfh-university.com/blog/organic-matrix-of-composite-materials.html). *www.pfh-university.com*. Retrieved 2020-12-16.[*[dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*] 1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["5: Matrix Materials | School of Materials Science and Engineering"](http://www.materials.unsw.edu.au/tutorials/online-tutorials/5-matrix-materials). *www.materials.unsw.edu.au*. Retrieved 2020-12-17. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Williams, Len (2018-09-14). ["Is it the end of the road for asphalt and concrete?"](https://eandt.theiet.org/content/articles/2018/09/is-it-the-end-of-the-road-for-asphalt-and-concrete/). *eandt.theiet.org*. Retrieved 2020-12-17. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Aerospace"](https://epoxy-europe.eu/application/aerospace/). *Epoxy Europe*. Retrieved 2020-12-17. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet: Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide"](https://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/1259.pdf) (PDF). *New Jersey Department of Health*. October 1999. Retrieved Dec 17, 2020. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Polyester Resins"](https://www.swindoncompositesupplies.co.uk/polyester-resins-2-c.asp). *www.swindoncompositesupplies.co.uk*. Retrieved 2020-12-17. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** B. S., Business Management. ["What are the Pros and Cons of Using Vinyl Ester and Polyester Resin"](https://www.thoughtco.com/vinyl-ester-vs-polyester-resins-820376). *ThoughtCo*. Retrieved 2020-12-17. {{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: |first= has generic name ([help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:CS1_errors#generic_name)) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Shape Memory Polymers | Sheffield Hallam University"](https://www.shu.ac.uk/research/specialisms/materials-and-engineering-research-institute/what-we-do/expertise/shape-memory-polymers). *www.shu.ac.uk*. Retrieved 2020-12-17. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** www.technicaltextile.net. ["Features of Shape Memory Polymers (SPMS) - Properties of SPMS"](http://www.technicaltextile.net/articles/new-purview-of-alacrity-shape-memory-polymers-smps-7492). *www.technicaltextile.net*. Retrieved 2020-12-17. --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Matrix (composite)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matrix_(composite)) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matrix_(composite)?action=history)). 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