Cross-linked polymers that harden permanently.
Thermosets form cross-linked networks on curing (epoxy, phenolic, polyester, polyurethane, silicones); they can't be remelted, are rigid and have good heat and chemical resistance. Used in adhesives, circuit boards and composite matrices. Cure shrinkage and brittleness considered.
Epoxy is the matrix in carbon-fibre aircraft parts.
Thermosets stay rigid at high temperature and resist solvents, which makes them suitable for electrical boards, adhesives and structural resins.
Cross-linked polymers that harden permanently.
Thermosets stay rigid at high temperature and resist solvents, which makes them suitable for electrical boards, adhesives and structural resins.
Cross-links form permanent covalent bonds during curing, so heating causes degradation rather than melting.
The chemical reaction that cross-links a thermoset resin, often with heat or a hardener, to form a rigid network.
Typical applications include making a printed circuit board from epoxy laminate, bonding structural parts with an epoxy adhesive and moulding a phenolic handle for a kitchen appliance.
Study "Thermoplastics" first (topic 40 of 100 in Materials & Chemical). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
Cure kinetics and gel point. Pot life. Tg after cure.
Epoxy is the matrix in carbon-fibre aircraft parts.
The next topic is "Elastomers", which builds directly on this one.
It is classed as Intermediate in Materials & Chemical (topic 41 of 100). It is an intermediate topic. Work through the beginner topics in Materials & Chemical first.
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