Epoxy resin adhesives (ERAs) as easily prepared thermosetting adhesives have been extensively employed in building construction, electrical appliance manufacturing, automobile manufacturing and wood industry because of their excellent mechanical properties, water resistance, low cost, long service life and strong bonding properties. This chapter aims to introduce the synthesis, properties and development of ERAs and to illustrate how defects in their curing properties, thermal properties, brittleness and flammability affect their global development. Furthermore, this study introduces the modification of ERAs according to these defects and their development in main application fields. Lastly, the limitations and prospects of ERAs in future applications are also discussed.
Part of the book: Epoxy-Based Composites