The GC/MS/Py method, thermogravimetric analysis (TG), MALDI-TOF spectrometry, and IR spectra were utilized to investigate structures and thermal stability of brominated epoxy resins synthesized in the reaction of epichlorohydrin (ECH) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBA), with varied molar rates of monomers and varied condensation temperatures. A Rheotest viscometer was employed to test rheological properties of the resins, while their mechanical properties were determined after hardening with phthalic anhydride. The research work revealed that the optimum synthesis conditions were ECH: TBBA = 5: 1, and the condensation temperature reasonably low (e.g., 40degreesC). The basic properties of the synthesized resins were found to be comparable to those of the commercial product D.E.R. 542 offered by Dow Plastics. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.