Lämpökovettuna

Lämpökovettuna refers to a process where a material undergoes a chemical change and becomes permanently hardened when exposed to heat. This is distinct from thermoplastics, which soften upon heating and re-harden upon cooling, allowing them to be repeatedly reshaped. Lämpökovettuna materials, once heated and hardened, cannot be re-melted or reshaped without degradation or destruction. This permanent transformation is typically due to the formation of cross-links between polymer chains, creating a rigid, three-dimensional network structure.

Common examples of lämpökovettuna materials include thermosetting plastics like bakelite, epoxy resins, and polyester resins. These materials are often used in applications where high strength, thermal stability, and chemical resistance are required, such as in electrical insulation, automotive parts, and durable coatings. The curing process, which initiates the lämpökovettuna, can be achieved through various methods, including heat, a catalyst, or radiation. Once cured, the material's physical and chemical properties are permanently altered, making it more resistant to heat, solvents, and mechanical stress. This irreversible hardening is the defining characteristic of lämpökovettuna.