Initiators, catalysts, and inhibitors are used to initiate and control the cross linking process that cures a a thermoset resin.
Initiators, commonly called catalysts, are used to produce the curing (molecular cross-linking) process with thermoset resins. Various formulations of methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) and benzyl peroxide (BPO) are used across a wide range of room temperature curing molding applications. Other initiator formulations are available that are heat activated or produce specific curing characteristics.
Promoters are added to resin formulations to produce the curing reaction and control cure times within desired parameters. Specific promoters are used to react with particular initiators and include, cobalt naphtenate, colalt octoate, dimethylaniline (DMA), or diethylaniline (DEA).
Inhibitors are added to polyester and vinyl ester resins by the manufacturer, but are occasionally modified by the user to produce specific gel times or curing characteristics. Hydroquinone and tertiary butyl catechol (TBC) are the most common inhibitors used in resin formulations.
- Dura Chemical Corporation Ltd.
- OMG Americas, Inc.
Supplies essential products used in the production and processing of thermoplastic resins, thermoset and elastomeric materials.
Specialty chemicals for practical solutions to challenges such as as climate change, access to drinking water, fossil fuel preservation, and the need for lighter materials.
A leading manufacturer of ketone (MEKP/Catalyst) and benzoyl peroxides (BPO), offers a large selection of closed molding initiators (catalyst).