semicured

Semicured is an adjective used to describe a material or product that has undergone only part of the curing process. Curing refers to the set or hardening of a material through chemical cross-linking, polymerization, drying, or other setting reactions that increase strength and stability. A semicured material thus occupies an intermediate state between uncured and fully cured, often remaining tacky, pliable, or partially soft.

Interpretation of semicured status varies by field and specific material. In polymer chemistry and adhesives, semicured polymers have begun cross-linking but have not yet reached their final, fully cured state, resulting in properties that are intermediate between those of an uncured resin and a completed, high-strength product. The degree of cure can be described or measured in various ways, such as percent cure, time since initiation, or analytical tests like hardness, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), gel fraction, or swelling behavior. In practice, the term is sometimes used in supplier specifications or production notes to indicate a material that should be subjected to further curing or handling before use.

Limitations and usage notes: semicured is not a standardized technical term across industries. Its exact meaning depends on the product, process, and quality requirements. When precision is important, manufacturers specify the intended degree of cure, curing time, temperature, or post-curing steps rather than relying on the general label semicured.

Etymology: formed from semi- (half) + cured, reflecting partial completion of the curing process. See also curing, polymerization, post-curing.