Modification of thermosetting resins and composites through preformed polymer particles: A review

A review is presented that focuses on preformed particle modification of high performance thermosetting resins and composite systems. The modifiers reviewed consist of thermoplastic and rubber preformed particles with no size limitations. Both organic and inorganic preformed polymer particles are considered but not glass or hollow spheres. In this text, preformed particles are defined as those which do not require phase separation and remain in the shape in which they were added to the neat resin or composite. Therefore, these particles may be developed prior to the resin formulation and then added to the thermosetting resin or developed in situ (during resin formulation) before the resin is catalyzed or cured. This technical review of preformed particle modification of thermosetting resins and composite systems summarizes the utilization of these materials and their performance.