duroplastiki

Duroplastiki is a term used to describe duroplastics, a class of thermosetting polymer materials that harden irreversibly when cured. The name derives from elements meaning "hard" and "moldable" and is applied to materials formed from reactive resins such as phenol‑formaldehyde, melamine‑formaldehyde, epoxy and polyester, often reinforced with fibers or fillers (cotton, wood flour, glass fibers).

Duroplastics are manufactured by mixing a liquid or malleable resin with fillers and catalysts, then shaping under heat and pressure so that a three‑dimensional cross‑linked network is formed. Once cured, they retain dimensional stability, high mechanical strength, heat and chemical resistance, and electrical insulating properties, but they cannot be melted and reshaped like thermoplastics.

Common applications have included electrical insulators, molded components, protective housings, laminates (for example phenolic laminates), and lightweight structural panels. Historically notable uses include vehicle body panels and consumer goods where rigidity and heat resistance were required.

Environmental and end‑of‑life considerations are important for duroplastics because their cross‑linked structure makes mechanical recycling difficult. Disposal strategies include energy recovery via incineration, use as filler in composite products, or emerging chemical and thermal recycling methods. Designers increasingly weigh the performance benefits of duroplastics against recyclability and are exploring alternative materials or hybrid systems to reduce environmental impact.