The scientists studied how adding a compound called polyepoxyphenylsilsesquioxane (PEPSQ) affects the way epoxy resin breaks down when heated. They used a method called thermogravimetric analysis in a nitrogen environment to analyze this process. The results showed that adding PEPSQ slowed down the decomposition of epoxy resin. In particular, PEPSQ increased the energy needed for the resin to break down, especially towards the end of the process. This suggests that PEPSQ helps to create a protective layer that improves the fire resistance of epoxy resin.