POLYMER COMPOSITION COMPRISING A MODIFYING AGENT

摘要

Novel modifying agents contain a sharply-melting crystalline polymer ingredient, preferably a side chain crystalline (SCC) moiety, and an active chemical ingredient which is physically but not chemically bound to the polymeric ingredient. Such modifying agents, especially when in the form of particles, can be placed in contact with a matrix, will not modify the matrix below the crystalline melting point Tp, but will rapidly modify the matrix above Tp. The active chemical ingredient can react with the matrix, catalyse a reaction of the matrix, or inhibit a reaction of the matrix. Also described are various compositions which comprise (1) a matrix material, e.g. an epoxy resin precursor, (2) a modifying agent containing a sharply melting crystalline polymer ingredient and an active chemical ingredient (which may be physically or chemical bound to the polymeric ingredient), and (3) an additional ingredient which confers desired properties on the mixture or on a product obtained from the mixture.