In the context of the present article, key issues on the technology of epoxy chemistry are discussed. Epoxy resins have been established because of their significant advantages as the main polymer matrix selection for the applications of fiber‐reinforced composites, especially in demanding performance‐driven industrial sectors such as aerospace, marine, automotive, and construction.
This article begins with a short introduction where historical data are summarized along with the main application areas of epoxy resins, their advantages over other thermosetting resins, and their processing versatility. Next, the generalized structure of epoxy resin is discussed and categorized in three major types of commercial products.
This article continues with a comprehensive presentation of the three major chemical types of curing agents employed in structural applications of epoxy resins accompanied with information on processing issues and applications. Later, specific types of resins that are developed for specific industrial needs are discussed. The use of diluted resins is presented for applications requiring lower processing viscosity. Next, other specialty resins such as flame‐retarding or toughened epoxy resins are reviewed.
This article ends with another category of epoxy products that became commercial during the last few decades, the particle‐filled resins where the continuing evolution of nanotechnology offered unlimited options on composite material developments.