Thermosetting Plastic Definition (Thermoset)

Thermosetting Plastic Definition (Thermoset) A thermosetting plastic is a polymer that irreversibly becomes rigid when heated. Such a material is also known as a thermoset or thermosetting polymer. Initially, the polymer is a liquid or soft solid. Heat provides energy for chemical reactions that increase the cross-linking between polymer chains, curing the plastic. The rate of curing may be increasing in many cases by increasing pressure or by adding a catalyst. Examples Many common plastics are thermosets. They include: Vulcanized rubberFiberglass (a fiber-reinforced polymer composite)Polyester resinPolyurethaneMelamineBakeliteSilicone resinEpoxy resin Sources Ellis, B. (ed.) (1993). Chemistry and Technology of Epoxy Resins. Springer Netherlands. ISBN 978-94-010-5302-0IUPAC, Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 2nd ed. (the Gold Book) (1997). Thermosetting Polymer. doi:10.1351/goldbook.TT07168