Thermosetting plastic
Thermosetting plastics (thermosets) refer to a range of polymer materials that cure, through the addition of energy, to a stronger form. The energy may be in the form of heat (generally above 200 degrees Celsius), through a chemical reaction (two part epoxy, for example), or irradiation. Thermoset materials are usually liquid or malleable prior to curing, and designed to be molded into their final form, or used as adhesive.
Thermoset polymer resins transformed into plastics or rubbers by cross-linking. Energy and catalysts are added that cause the molecular chains to link into a rigid, 3-D structure. A thermoset material cannot be melted and re-molded after it is cured.
Thermoset materials are generally stronger than thermoplastic materials. They are also better suited to high temperature applications. They are not easily recyclable like thermoplastics, which can be melted and re-molded.
Examples of thermosets:
- Rubber
- Bakelite (used in electrical insulators and plastic wear)
- Urea-Formaldehyde (used in electrical fittings)
- Melamine (used on worktop surfaces)
- Polyester Resin (used in glass-re-inforced plastics)
- Epoxy Resin (used as an adhesive and in Glass Reinforced Plastic/Fibreglass (GRP), and FRP)
List of methods used to mould thermosets:
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