Thermosetting Polymers

THERMOSETS OR THERMOSETTING POLYMERS :

A thermoset is a type of plastic that undergoes a chemical

change during production that cannot be repeated or reversed

-- Highly cross- linked (network)

-Thermosetting polymers initially begin as linear
chains
-Heat or pressure – initiates the cross-linking process
-Cross-linking results in permanent chemical bonding
of the individual polymer chains to one another
-Cross-linking is irreversible – thermosets can’t be
recycled
-Thermoset plastics become hard and rigid on heating- on cooling
the properties are retained

-By step growth mechanism(condensation polymerization), the

chemical reactions are enhanced at higher temperatures and
irreversible

Properties:
-- possess good strength , stiffness and hardness
-- poor ductility, poor impact properties
-- behavior similar to brittle metal or ceramic
Thermosets with fuctional units :
Thermoset Properties
PHENOLICS :

- Bakelite – common phenolic thermoset

-Condensation reaction between phenol and formaldehyde - initial
linear phenolic resin
- process continues until a linear phenol-formaldehyde chain is formed
-A third location on each phenol ring provides a site for cross-linking
with the adjacent chains

Uses:
i. Adhesives
ii. Coatings
iii. Moulded components for electrical or motor applications
AMINES :

- Produced by combining urea or melamine monomers

with formaldehyde

Uses:
i. Adhesives
ii. Laminates
iii. Moulding materials for cookware
iv. Electrical hardware like circuit breakers , switches
Melamine formaldehyde (MF)
COMMON NAME: Formica or Melaware
- Used in the production of plastic laminates because of its smooth
surface and hygienic qualities.

PROPERTIES
 waterproof
 odourless
 mark and scratch resistance

USES
 worktops
 buttons
 electrical insulation
POLYESTERS:
- Form chains from alcohol and acid molecules by condensation
reaction giving water as by-product

Uses:
i. Used as molding or casting materials for a variety of electrical
applications
ii. Decorative laminates
iii. Boats and other marine equipment
iv. As a matrix for composites such as fiberglass
Polyester resin
COMMON NAME: Orel or Beetle

PROPERTIES
 Stiff, hard and brittle
 Resilient as laminated GRP

USES
 panels for car bodies and boat hulls
EPOXIES :

- Formed from molecules containing a tight C-O-C ring

- During polymerization, the C-O-C rings are opened –
bonds are rearranged to join the molecules

Uses :
i. Adhesives
ii. Rigid molded parts for electrical applications
iii. Automotive components
iv. Circuit boards
v. Sporting goods
vi. Matrix for high performance fiber-reinforced
composite materials for aerospace applications
Epoxy resin (ER)
COMMON NAME: Araldite
Many adhesives (glues) are thermosetting plastics
It will bond most materials including woods and metals as well as
some plastics

PROPERTIES
•Good electrical insulator
•hard
•brittle unless reinforced
POLYIMIDES :

•Ring structure that contains nitrogen atom

•One special group – the bismaleimides (BMI) important in
aircraft and aerospace industry
•Operates continuously at temperatures of 175 ˚C and do not
decompose even upto 460 ˚C

INERPENETRATING POLYMER NETWORKS :

-Produced when linear thermoplastic chains are inter-twined

through a thermosetting framework
Eg . Nylon, polypropylene chains can penetrate into a cross-linked
silicone thermoset
Differences Between Thermoplastic And Thermosetting Polymers
S.No
THERMOPLASTIC THERMOSETTING
1. Long, straight chained Cross-linked compounds
carbon compounds
2. Formed by addition Formed by condensation(step
polymerization growth) polymerization

3. Low strength compared More strength compared to

to thermosets thermoplastics

4. Can be processed again Cannot be processed again or

and again recycled

5. Eg . Polyethylene Eg . Bakelite, epoxy