Polyester resins are made from di-acids and glycols in a condensation reaction that produces water as a byproduct. They are the most common and inexpensive composite resins, and are used to make products like molding compounds, adhesives, and coatings. Styrene is often added as a reactive diluent to reduce viscosity and allow for easier processing. When cured with an initiator like a peroxide, the styrene participates in free radical chain reactions that crosslink the polyester polymers into a thermoset network. While polyesters have many advantages, styrene emissions during curing can cause health issues, so new formulations aim to reduce or eliminate styrene.