Setreactie

Setreactie is a term found in Dutch-language technical literature describing the chemical process by which a material changes from a liquid or soft state into a solid or rigid state. In English, it is commonly translated as setting reaction or curing reaction and is used across fields such as polymer chemistry, materials science, construction, and dentistry.

The set reaction can proceed through several mechanisms, including polymerization, crosslinking, hydration, crystallization, or precipitation. The specific pathway depends on the material system—for example, cementitious binders, thermosetting resins, or dental impression materials. The rate and extent of setting are influenced by temperature, moisture content, pH, initiators or catalysts, reactant concentrations, and particle size or filler content.

Examples include: Portland cement hydration, where chemical reactions form calcium silicate hydrate and calcium hydroxide to convert paste into a solid mass; epoxy resin systems that cure via crosslinking between resin and hardener; and certain dental impression materials that set by addition or condensation reactions to form a rigid polymer network.

Setting time is often described in terms of initial set (the start of measurable solid-like behavior) and final set (when the material has achieved sufficient rigidity or strength). Measurements may use rheology or penetrometer tests, differential scanning calorimetry, or other calorimetric methods to monitor heat release and reaction progress.

Understanding set reactions is essential for predicting workability, strength development, and dimensional stability. Premature or delayed setting can affect performance, while controlled setting supports manufacturing schedules, safety, and function. See also setting time, curing, polymerization, hydration, concrete curing, and dental materials.