Abstract: A process for synthesizing a branched phenolic novolak using commercially available raw materials, amenable to large scale manufacturing, and giving good chemical resistance when used in epoxy formulations is described. When combined with resorcinol during the epoxy synthesis, the branched phenolic novolak gives superior chemical resistance in a two-component heat cured epoxy.

Abstract: Urea-terminated polybutadiene polymers and polybutadiene acrylonitrile copolymers useful as both accelerators and tougheners are disclosed for use in epoxy formulations cured with dicyandiamide. The inventive urea-terminated polymers achieve comparable toughness in cured epoxy formulations when compared to that achieved with traditional polymeric or rubber tougheners with little to no change in glass transition temperature. Viscosity improvement and stability over time are also an advantage. A method of preparation emphasizing aspects of reaction stoichiometry is also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel method for production of epoxy terminated butadiene and butadiene acrylonitrile copolymer tougheners synthesized through the use of hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene and hydroxyl terminated butadiene acrylonitrile copolymers as starting materials. The epoxy terminated butadiene and butadiene acrylonitrile copolymers synthesized by the novel method have unexpectedly lower viscosity, contain no free epoxy and provide good improvements in T-peel resistance over traditional tougheners produced using traditional methods. Adhesives, composites and coatings utilizing the tougheners of the inventive method are within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: Urea-terminated polybutadiene polymers and polybutadiene acrylonitrile copolymers useful as both accelerators and tougheners are disclosed for use in epoxy formulations cured with dicyandiamide. The inventive urea-terminated polymers achieve comparable toughness in cured epoxy formulations when compared to that achieved with traditional polymeric or rubber tougheners with little to no change in glass transition temperature. Viscosity improvement and stability over time are also an advantage. A method of preparation emphasizing aspects of reaction stoichiometry is also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel method for production of epoxy terminated butadiene and butadiene acrylonitrile copolymer tougheners synthesized through the use of hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene and hydroxyl terminated butadiene acrylonitrile copolymers as starting materials. The epoxy terminated butadiene and butadiene acrylonitrile copolymers synthesized by the novel method have unexpectedly lower viscosity, contain no free epoxy and provide good improvements in T-peel resistance over traditional tougheners produced using traditional methods. Adhesives, composites and coatings utilizing the tougheners of the inventive method are within the scope of the invention.