what is thermoset

A thermoset is a type of polymer-based material that is insoluble and non- melting. It is obtained by irreversibly hardening a soft solid or viscous liquid through a process called curing, which is induced by heat or suitable radiation and may be promoted by high pressure or mixing with a curing agent. Curing results in chemical reactions that create extensive cross-linking between polymer chains, resulting in a crosslinked network that cannot be easily broken. Thermoset materials are generally stronger than thermoplastic materials due to their network formation, and they have superior temperature stability and unique deformation responses when subjected to mechanical loading. They are widely used in the chemical, energy/mining, and wastewater industries due to their ability to perform in chemical/corrosive service environments. Unlike thermoplastic materials, thermoset systems offer much broader custom formulation flexibility, allowing for broader custom compound formulation and higher loading of additives.