In accordance with the present invention, we have developed compositions
useful for the preparation of prepregs, laminates, and the like having
excellent performance properties. Invention compositions comprise a
combination of a first component (i.e., a low loss, low dielectric
constant, hydrocarbyl thermoplastic resin), a second component (i.e., a
component which is capable of crosslinking to produce a thermoset in the
presence of the first component), a free radical source, and optionally,
one or more additives and/or diluents. Invention compositions can be
prepared from widely available and inexpensive starting materials. As a
result, invention compositions not only provide fabricated articles
having outstanding performance properties, in addition, the cost of
producing the resulting articles compares quite favorably with the cost
of making competitive materials which require the use of more expensive,
less readily available starting materials. Also provided in accordance
with the present invention are prepregs prepared from invention
compositions, laminated sheets prepared from the above-described
prepregs, printed wiring boards, methods of making each of the above, and
the like.