Epoxy matrix containing amine hardener and micropulverized polyimide

Abstract

The subject invention relates to a toughened epoxy matrix formulation useful as a prepreg for fiber reinforcements comprising at least two epoxy components, an amine hardener and about 10%-25% of a micropulverized polyimide thermoplastic having a molecular weight of from about 20,000 to about 100,000 and Tg of at least about 220.degree. C. The invention further relates to a process for preparing a toughened epoxy matrix formulation comprising: a. preheating a blend of at least two epoxy compounds to a temperature of about 130.degree. F. to about 140.degree. F.; b. blending into the epoxy blend from step (a) a micropulverized polyimide thermoplastic; c. mixing the blend of epoxy and thermoplastic at a temperature of about 110.degree. F. to about 130.degree. F.; and d. adding to the blend of epoxy and thermoplastic an amine hardener and mixing at about 110.degree. F. to about 130.degree. F. until a low mix viscosity is obtained.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.