thermosette

Thermosette is a term that refers to a type of plastic material that, once heated and molded into a shape, undergoes an irreversible chemical change, becoming permanently set. This process is known as curing or cross-linking. Unlike thermoplastics, which can be repeatedly softened by heating and reshaped, thermosets do not soften or melt when reheated. Instead, excessive heat can cause them to degrade and char.

The curing process involves chemical reactions that create a rigid, three-dimensional network structure within the polymer. This network is what gives thermosets their characteristic properties, such as high strength, rigidity, excellent thermal stability, and resistance to solvents and creep. Common examples of thermosetting plastics include epoxy resins, phenolic resins, polyester resins, and vulcanized rubber.

Thermosets are widely used in applications requiring durability and resistance to harsh conditions. They are found in the manufacturing of automotive parts, aerospace components, electrical insulation, adhesives, coatings, and durable household goods. The precise properties of a thermoset can be tailored by adjusting the polymer backbone, the curing agent, and the addition of fillers or reinforcements. Due to their permanent set, thermoset products are typically manufactured through processes like compression molding, injection molding (for certain thermosets), or casting, where the material is cured in its final mold.