Abstract: A curable composition comprising (A) an epoxy resin containing on average more than one epoxy group per molecule; (B) a compound of formula A[—X—CO—CH2—CN]n(1), wherein A is hydrogen or C1-C12 alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by one or more C1-C12 alkoxy groups, C1-C12 alkylcarbonyl groups, C7-C25 arylcarbonyl groups, hydroxyl groups, amino groups, C1-C12 alkylamino groups, C1-C12 dialkylamino groups, cyano groups or halogen atoms, or A is a bivalent aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic, araliphatic or heterocyclic organic radical, X denotes —O—or —NR1—, wherein R1 is hydrogen or C1-C12 alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by one or more C1-C12 alkoxy groups, C1-C12 alkylcarbonyl groups, C7-C25 arylcarbonyl groups, hydroxyl groups, amino groups, C1-C12 alkylamino groups, C1-C12 dialkylamino groups, cyano groups or halogen atoms, n is 1 or 2; and (C) a protected base in the form of an adduct or salt which is able to release a basic compound upon heating to a temperature greater than 70° C.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a fiber reinforced composite article comprising the steps of a) providing a fibre preform in a mold, b) injecting a multiple component thermosetting resin composition into the mold, wherein the resin composition comprises (b 1) a liquid epoxy resin, (b2) a curing agent comprising 1,3-bis(aminomethyl)cyclohexane, and (b3) an accelerator comprising at least one compound selected from the group sulfonic acid and imidazolium salt of a sulfonic acid, c) allowing the resin to impregnate the fiber preform, d) curing the resin impregnated preform, e) demolding the cured composite part, facilitates manufacturing of composite articles with reduced cycle times, said composite articles exhibit excellent mechanical properties, especially elongation and fracture toughness, and can be used for the construction of mass transportation vehicles, in particular in automotive and aerospace industry.