Thermosetting Polymers
Design & Technology: AQA GCSE, topic 5.2.3
Thermosetting Polymers
Thermosetting polymers can only be heated and shaped once.
Epoxy resin (ER)
- Properties:
- Resists chemicals.
- Resists heat.
- Good thermal and electrical insulator.
- Brittle - breaks upon impact.
- Examples:
- Glue.
- Wind turbine blades.
Melamine-formaldehyde (MF)
- Properties:
- Hardwearing - strong, hard material.
- Resists scratching.
- Resists stains.
- Good thermal and electrical insulator.
- Examples:
- Kitchen worktops.
- Laminated chipboard.
- Plastic cups and bowls for children.
Phenol-formaldehyde (PF)
- Properties:
- Easy to mold complex shapes.
- Hard - withstands forces.
- Resists heat.
- Examples:
- Bottle caps.
- Snooker balls.
Polyester resin (PR)
- Properties:
- Good electrical insulator.
- Stiff - resists bending.
- Very hard - resists forces.
- Added to glass to make glass-reinforced plastic.
- Examples:
- Kayaks.
- Shower bases.
Urea-formaldehyde (UF)
- Properties:
- Rigid material - very stiff and hard.
- Very good electrical and thermal insulator.
- Examples:
- Light switches.
- Plug sockets.
- Toilet Seats.
Test yourself on Thermosetting Polymers
What thermosetting polymer is used to make kayaks?
What thermosetting polymer is used to make wind turbine blades?