Thermosets

A thermosetting resin, also known as a thermoset, is petrochemical material that irreversibly cures. The cure may be induced by heat, generally above 200 °C (392 °F), through a chemical reaction, or suitable irradiation.

Thermoset materials are usually liquid or malleable prior to curing and designed to be molded into their final form, or used as adhesives. Others are solids like that of the molding compound used in semiconductors and integrated circuits (IC). Once hardened a thermoset resin cannot be reheated and melted to be shaped differently.

Thermosetting resin may be contrasted with thermoplastic polymers which are commonly produced in pellets and shaped into their final product form by melting and pressing or injection molding.

Thermoset materials are generally stronger than thermoplastic materials due to this three-dimensional network of bonds (cross-linking), and are also better suited to high-temperature applications up to the decomposition temperature. However, they are more brittle. Since their shape is permanent, they tend not to be recyclable as a source for newly made plastic.