This review report covers recent developments in the chemistry and technology of epoxy resins, concentrating primarily on material published in the 1990s. It reviews the synthesis, manufacture, and characterization of epoxy monomers, cure reactions of epoxy resins, spectroscopic and analytical methods of studying cure, techniques for the modeling of cure, the use of additives and modifiers, and new applications.

From the Introduction: “...The term `epoxy resin' which will be used extensively during this review is commonly applied to a wide range of materials, both prepolymers (which contain reactive epoxy groups) and cured polymers (which are still called epoxy resins although all of the reactive groups may have reacted during the polymerisation process)...Epoxy resins are characterised by the presence of at least two epoxy (or oxirane) groups within their molecular structure. The epoxy group is composed of a planar, three-membered ring comprising two carbon atoms and one oxygen atom...”

Rapra Review Reports contain a brief overview of the topic, followed by extensive references, with abstracts, from the Rapra database. They serve as condensed, valuable research tools for scientists, technologists, and other researchers working with rubber or plastics materials.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

The Synthesis, Manufacture and Characterisation of Epoxy Monomers

Cure Reactions of Epoxy Resins

Studying the Cure of Epoxy Resins

Modeling the Cure of Epoxy Resins

Additives and Modifiers for Epoxy Resins

Technologically Driven Applications for Epoxy Resins

Additional References

References from the Rapra Abstracts Database

Subject Index