For those who are working on a project involving polymer-based materials you may wonder, what is thermoset? Below you will find helpful information on the ins and outs of thermoset.

What Is Thermoset?

Thermoset is a term to describe a polymer-based material that is both non-melting and insoluble. Unlike thermoplastic material, which is generally soluble and can be melted, thermoset materials have unique properties that ensure they don’t melt and are insoluble. Even though both materials are classified as polymers, the difference can be found in their structure.

Thermoset vs Thermoplastic Materials

There are a number of differences between thermoset and thermoplastic materials.

Crosslinked Network

With thermoset, pre-polymer, or backbone materials resin is combined with a crosslinking agent under heat and press which forms a crosslinked network. Thermoset network formation can also occur without heat and pressure through the use of radiation or room temperature initiators or promoters.

Unlike thermoset materials, thermoplastic materials do not have a crosslinked network. This is what differentiates thermoset and thermoplastic materials which has many implications. Most importantly, this difference forms the basis for each of their general use profiles as they are both polymer materials.

Moldability

In addition to their structural differences, one of the most obvious differences between thermoset and thermoplastic materials is that thermoplastic materials can be re-shaped, re-formed, and recycled even after they have been processed and molded. The malleability of thermoplastic materials is caused by the change the material undergoes while being processed. The best example of how thermoplastic works is a candle. Candle wax can change shape and be re-shaped even after it is used while still retaining its unique properties.

Thermoset materials do not have this capability. This is due to its structure as thermoset material undergoes a chemical change when it is processed. A chemical reaction occurs and the crosslinking agent chemically bonds to the polymer backbone resin. After this bonding occurs during the chemical process, the material cannot be changed, re-formed, re-processed, or melted. This feature is what makes thermoset materials desirable for a wide variety of applications.

Strength

Thermoset materials are generally much stronger than thermoplastic materials. This is due to the chemical bonding process and structure. They are also much stiffer as they are higher in modulus. They also have unique deformation responses during mechanical loading. Thermoset materials also have better temperature stability due to their structure. This helps them provide a generally stable property response over a broader range of temperature as compared to thermoplastics.

Benefits of Thermoset Materials

Thermoset materials are uniquely different polymers as compared to thermoplastic materials. Consider the following benefits of thermoset materials.

• Useful in Various Industries: Because the covalent bonds between the polymer chains in the material cannot be broken easily, thermoset materials can perform in a wide variety of environments, including chemical and corrosive service requirements. This is why they are often used in chemical, energy, mining, and wastewater industries.
• Customizable Formation: Thermoset systems offer much more flexibility when it comes to formation. The customizable nature of the material makes it much more advantageous as compared to thermoplastic materials.
• Functionalization: Whether you are reinforcing fibers, functional fillers, or performance-enhancing additives, the nature of thermoset-based polymers allows for a much higher loading of additives. This higher loading potential offers broader custom compound formulation. This means you can easily tailor the properties for a higher level of functionalization.

Specialty Seals

The ability of thermoset materials to achieve a high level of customization makes them the top choice for any project. In fact, the customization options engineers and manufacturers to address a wide range of performance challenges. No matter what your sealant needs are, the experts at Real Seal are available to assist you with specialty seals. Contact the team at Real Seal today!