Characteristics of thermoset polymers:

The following are the characteristics of thermoset polymers:

• Upon application of heat, liquid resin becomes rigid due to the vitrification process
• Thermoset polymer is less temperature sensitive than thermoplastics
• Cross linked network structure (formed from chemical bonds) exists throughout the part
• Cross linking provides thermal stability such that polymer will not melt or flow upon heating.

Examples of Thermoset Polymers:

• Epoxy
• Unsaturated polyesters
• vinyl esters
• phenol formaldehyde
• bismaleimide
• urethane