In order to improve the tack and drape properties of prepregs based on bismaleimide (BMI) resins, a new allyl compound containing diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A backbone, designated as AE, was prepared by reacting m-allylphenol (1 mol) with an equimolar amount of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (0.5 mol). The copolymer of BMI/AE was prepared and characterized. The softening point of the copolymer is lower than room temperature. The prepregs based on BMT/AE have very good tack and drape properties and a long work life (three weeks) at room temperature. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in nitrogen atmosphere revealed that the cured copolymer was stable up to 515 degrees C. The hot/wet resistance properties of the cured copolymer were investigated by aging it in boiling distilled water. After aging for 100 h, the water absorption and heat defleation temperature (HDT) were 3.6% and 248 degrees C, respectively. In addition, the cured copolymer has good mechanical properties at ambient and elevated temperature.