Expandable thermosettable compositions containing at least one epoxy
resin, at least one finely divided thermoplastic polymer powder, at least
one blowing agent, at least one curing agent, and at least one filler are
suitable for the production of thermosetting laminated bodies with a
tacky surface. These laminated bodies can be produced and handled in a
simple manner and are suitable for stiffening and reinforcing flat
structural components, in particular vehicle body structural components,
such as vehicle body frames, doors, trunk lids, engine hoods and/or roof
components in automobile construction. The expandable thermosettable
compositions are also suitable for the production of thermosetting,
thermally expandable shaped articles for reinforcing hollow structural
members by the injection molding process. In preferred embodiments, the
composition is injected onto a metallic or thermoplastic carrier. These
thermally expandable shaped articles are especially useful in the
production of automobiles and other vehicles to maintain or increase the
strength of structural members such as rockers, pillars, radiator support
beams, doors, reinforcing beams, and the like.