What Does Thermosetting Mean?
Thermosetting plastic are basically polymer materials that tend to cure. This is done with the addition of energy, which is usually in the form of heat. These materials are generally in the form of liquid, powder or even malleable before it is cured and later they are used as adhesives. Some of the best known examples are Vulcanized rubber, Bakelite (a Phenol Formaldehyde Resin), Duroplast, Urea-formaldehyde foam, Melamine, Polyester Resin and Epoxy Resin. The methods used to mould thermosets are Injection moulding, Extrusion moulding, Calendering, Compression moulding and Blow moulding. Thermoset materials are generally more durable than thermoplastic supplies due to this 3-D system of bonds, and are also improved matched to high-temperature applications up to the putrefaction temperature of the material. They do not provide themselves to recycling like thermoplastics, which can be melted and re-moulded.
