FLEXIBLE POLYMER ELEMENT AS TOUGHENING AGENT IN PREPEGS

摘要

A flexible polymer element for a curable composition wherein the flexiblepolymer element is in solid phase and adapted to undergo at least partialphase transition to fluid phase on contact with a component of the curablecomposition in which it is soluble at a temperature which is less than thetemperature for substantial onset of gelling and/or curing of the curablecomposition; a method for the preparation thereof, a support structure orcarrier for a curable composition comprising the at least one flexible polymerelement together with reinforcing fibres, configurations of support structuresand carriers, methods for preparation thereof, a curable compositioncomprising the at least one flexible polymer element or the support structureor carrier and a curable resin matrix, a kit of parts comprising thecomponents thereof and a method for selection thereof, a method forpreparation and curing thereof, and a cured composite or resin body obtainedthereby, and known and novel uses thereof.