This work provides a comprehensive review of the recent advancements in the toughening modification methods for epoxy resins. The study explores a variety of approaches, including the incorporation of liquid rubbers, core–shell rubber particles, thermoplastic resins, hyperbranched polymers, and the nanoparticle toughening method, each of which contributes to improving the mechanical properties and fracture toughness of epoxy resins. Special attention is given to the mechanisms underlying these toughening methods, such as reaction-induced phase separation, crack pinning, and energy dissipation through particle deformation. The paper also examines the synergistic effects achieved by combining different toughening agents, such as phenoxy thermoplastic rubber and core–shell rubber particles, which significantly enhance the critical fracture energy and impact strength of epoxy composites. Additionally, the challenges associated with each method, such as the potential reduction in mechanical properties and the influence of phase separation on material performance, are discussed. Through a detailed analysis of experimental studies, this paper highlights the effectiveness of various toughening strategies and suggests future research directions aimed at further optimizing epoxy resin toughening techniques for diverse industrial applications. Emerging computational modeling and machine learning applications in epoxy resin development are also systematically reviewed to highlight their potential in advancing predictive design frameworks.

A sodium carboxy-methylcellulose (CMC)/chitosan (CS) composite sponge as drug carrier was prepared, and its structure and functions were investigated. Samples with different CMC/chitosan ratios and under different pH conditions were synthesized via a freeze-drying method. The microstructure of the dried sponges was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Molecule interactions between polymers were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and Thermal gravimetric analyze (TGA). The swelling degree, weight loss, in vitro drug release behavior and antibacterial property of the sponges were determined as well. The results showed that the CMC/chitosan ratio and the pH value significantly affected the appearance of the blending solution and the microstructure of the final product, and also affected the sponge’s degradation behavior, drug-loading capacity and the antibacterial activity. Gentamicin (GEN) as a hydrophilic model drug was remarkably superior to the other two hydrophobic drugs, ibuprofen (IBU) and roxithromycin (ROX), with respect to in vitro releasing. Moreover, higher CMC content and lower pH value of the sponge were confirmed to lead a larger loading for GEN. The bacteriostatic experiment showed a strong antimicrobial ability of GEN-loaded sponges on inhibiting Escherichia coli.