Shock Resistant Epoxies for Use at Higher Under-the-Hood Temperatures

This paper reviews the methods currently used to improve the shock resistance of heat resistant epoxy adhesives and insulation compounds. These methods include the addition of asbestos, glass fibers and other fillers, the incorporation of polyurethanes, nitrile rubbers and other elastomers, and the use of chain extending latent curing agents. New experimental data are also presented for a series of flexible, anhydridecured, epoxy insulation compounds showing that it is now possible to combine improved shock resistance with long term thermal and hydrolytic stability by proper selection of the polyester flexibilizer and by avoiding the strongly basic amine accelerators used in the past.