The adhesive properties have been investigated in blends of mono-carboxyl-terminated poly(2-ethylhexyl acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate) with diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A and three different aliphatic amine epoxy hardener. The adhesives properties are evaluated in steel alloy substrate using single-lap shear test. The copolymers are initially miscible in the stoichiometric blends of epoxy resin and hardener at room temperature. Phase separation is noted in the course of the polymerization reaction. Different morphologies are obtained according to the amine epoxy hardener. The most effective adhesive for steel-steel joints in single-lap shear test is the blends using 1-(2-aminoethyl)piperazine (AEP) as hardener. This system shows the biggest lap shear strength. However, the modified adhesives show a reduction in the mechanical resistance. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 117: 2762-2770, 2010