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 increased in many cases by increasing pressure or by adding a catalyst.
Examples
Many common plastics are thermosets. They include:
- Vulcanized rubber
- Fiberglass (a fiber-reinforced polymer composite)
- Polyester resin
- Polyurethane
- Melamine
- Bakelite
- Silicone resin
- Epoxy resin
Sources
- Ellis, B. (ed.) (1993). Chemistry and Technology of Epoxy Resins. Springer Netherlands. ISBN 978-94-010-5302-0
- IUPAC, Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 2nd ed. (the "Gold Book") (1997). "Thermosetting Polymer". doi:10.1351/goldbook.TT07168