| abstract |
Provided are curable compositions that include an epoxy resin; a 9,9-bis(aminophenyl)fluorene or derivative therefrom; and core shell particles, each comprising an elastomeric core and a polymeric outer shell layer coated on the elastomeric core. The core shell particles can be at least partially aggregated with each other, include polymeric intermediate layers between the core and outer shell layers, and/or have a multimodal particle diameter distribution. The curable compositions may also optionally include inorganic sub-micron particles dispersed in the curable composition, the inorganic sub-micron particles having surface-bonded organic groups that compatibilize the inorganic sub-micron particles and the epoxy resin. |