Thermosetting Polymer
A polymer that sets permanently on first heating and cannot be softened again.
Unit
°C
In depth
Curing creates covalent cross-links that lock the chains into a single rigid network. The material is therefore hard, heat-resistant and dimensionally stable, but it cannot be remelted or conventionally recycled — further heating simply chars it.
Examples in the real world
Bakelite in electrical fittings; epoxy resins and melamine worktops; vulcanised rubber.