In focus: advances in epoxy chemistry

Advances in electronics, in energy efficient transport technology and in energy generation from renewable sources require parallel advances in polymer chemistry. A key chemistry in all these areas is that of the epoxy group and there are currently exciting developments in this field. Advanced epoxy composites contribute to the increasing use of plastics in next-generation aircraft such as the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Toughened epoxy adhesives allow cars to be lighter and yet more crash resistant. Other epoxies hold together the blades of wind turbines, or the electronics in your phone, laptop or i-Pod.