Epoxy Polymers: Fundamentals and Applications

Research and development in epoxy polymers was a hot subject in the 1970s and 1980s when most of the fundamental knowledge in the field of thermosetting polymers was established. During this period different chemistries involved in the synthesis of epoxy networks were understood, modelling of network formation was described using different levels of complexity, transitions occurring during network formation were described and predicted, transformation diagrams were developed to rationalize cure cycles, structure vs. properties relationships were accurately established based on model systems, and so on. On the other hand, in the same period, industry developed new formulations and processing techniques for the various applications of epoxy polymers, such as adhesives, coatings and composites. Applications extended to different sectors including building, electronics, sports goods, automobile, aircraft, and so on.