Thermosetting (Adjective)
Meaning
Having the property of becoming permanently hard and rigid when heated or cured; "the phenol resins and plastics were the original synthetic thermosetting materials".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- Thermosetting polymers, such as epoxy resin, undergo a chemical reaction that renders them permanently hard when heated or exposed to certain conditions.
- In manufacturing, the difference between thermosetting and thermoplastic materials greatly impacts production methods and desired product outcomes.
- Most commonly used adhesives today, like two-part epoxies and acrylics, fall into the thermosetting category.
- During World War II, significant research led to advancements in the production and utilization of synthetic thermosetting plastics for the war effort.
- Automotive companies now heavily rely on the utilization of advanced thermosetting composite materials to increase efficiency in the construction of lighter vehicle parts.