termokõvenev
Termokõvenev is an Estonian term that translates to thermosetting in English. It refers to a type of polymer that irreversibly hardens when heated. Unlike thermoplastics, which can be repeatedly melted and reshaped, thermosetting polymers undergo a chemical reaction during their initial heating process. This reaction forms strong, permanent cross-links between the polymer chains, creating a rigid, three-dimensional network. Once cured, this network structure prevents the material from softening or deforming when subjected to heat or stress.
The process of curing thermosetting polymers is often referred to as vulcanization, especially in the context