Metals and coordination compounds as modifiers for epoxy resins

This review concentrates on the use of metals in the formulation of epoxy resin systems and the effect that this has on the physical and mechanical properties of the polymer system. Epoxy resins are one of the most important higher performance polymer systems in use today, ranging from simple two-part adhesives and sports equipment to high-tech applications such as formula one racing cars and the aerospace industry. Epoxy resins are capable of undergoing homopolymerisation, although this process generally yields products with inadequate properties for high-tech applications. Consequently, in many cases catalysts, additives and co-curing-agents are formulated with the epoxy resin to significantly increase the storage stability, decrease the cure time and improve the final properties. The use of metals to formulate resin systems with excellent storage stability is discussed, along with the use of coordination compounds to improve cured resin properties such as fracture toughness, thermal stability and water absorption, etc. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.