The following definition is obtained from Answers.com.
Thermoset refers to a range of polymer materials that cure, through the addition of energy, to a stronger form. Thermoset materials are usually liquid or malleable prior to curing, and designed to be molded into their final form, or used as adhesive.
Thermoset polymer resins can be transformed into plastics or rubbers by cross-linking. Energy and catalysts are added that cause the molecular chains to link into a rigid, 3-D structure. A thermoset material cannot be melted and re-molded after it is cured.
Thermoset materials are generally stronger than thermoplastics materials. They are also better suited to high temperature applications. They are not easily recyclable like thermoplastics, which can be melted and re-molded. Natural rubber and Epoxy are examples of Thermosets.
*After some intensive research, we found that unlike thermoplastics, which are recyclable, there are only three types of thermoset resins that are currently recyclable. Following information is sourced from Plastics in End-of-Life Vehicles.
SMC
Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) is made by a process of laying a giant sheet of liquid resin and chopping glass fiber over this sheet.
BMC Molding
Bulk Molding Compound (BMC) is a material made by mixing a thermoset resin and fiberglass in a manner much like an industrial grade bread dough mixer.
Epoxy
Epoxy is any of various thermosetting resins capable of forming tight cross-linked polymer structures characterized by toughness, strong adhesion, and low shrinkage.
• Aramid reinforced epoxy - This material has an incredible combination of excellent mechanical
properties and low weight. The epoxy matrix gives the material chemical and heat resistance, while
aramid fibers give it toughness and hardness.
Due to its hardness and impenetrability, this material is used e.g. for front edges of aircraft wings, or
for armouring police cars doors.
• Carbon reinforced epoxy - This material is known for its high specific stiffness and strength, given
by carbon fibers. The material has an advantageous combination of good mechanical properties and low weight.
The properties of the material vary depending on the content and orientation of the fibers.
It is used for very stiff and light structures within sport equipment, aerospace, medical equipment
(protheses) and prototyping.
The carbon fibers can be woven into mats, which can be pressed into 3-dimensional shapes, and
then plastic is added. The most used processes are manual fiber moulding, RTM, filament winding,
pultrusion, and autoclave injection.
Section I: Introduction
Section II: Present (YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN THIS SECTION)
Section III: Future
Complete Table of Contents
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