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: A synthetic latex composition, comprising rubber particles, natural surfactants, a novel acid stable surfactant and water for use in agglomeration processes. The invention is also directed to a reproducible method for preparing agglomerated latex particles to control and achieve particle size targets within a specified range and distribution, by utilizing the inventive latex composition and process conditions, but without the use of elevated temperature, pressurization or mechanical agitation of prior art processes.

Abstract: A blend of epoxy resins includes a) an epoxy resin composition derived from the reaction of a liquid epoxy resin, a carboxyl terminated butadiene (CTB), and a carboxyl terminated polybutadiene-acrylonitrile (CTBN) and/or a random and terminal carboxyl functional polybutadiene-acrylonitrile (CTBNX), and b) unreacted epoxy resin. The carboxyl terminated butadiene is miscible with the unreacted epoxy resin and does not separate therefrom even upon aging. Upon cure as with a latent cure agent, a toughened epoxy resin is produced having unexpected good low temperature properties such as peel strength.

Abstract: A blend of epoxy resins includes a) an epoxy resin composition derived from the reaction of a liquid epoxy resin, a carboxyl terminated butadiene (CTB), and a carboxyl terminated polybutadiene-acrylonitrile (CTBN) and/or a random and terminal carboxyl functional polybutadiene-acrylonitrile (CTBNX), and b) unreacted epoxy resin. The carboxyl terminated butadiene is miscible with the unreacted epoxy resin and does not separate therefrom even upon aging. Upon cure as with a latent cure agent, a toughened epoxy resin is produced having unexpected good low temperature properties such as peel strength.