Thermosetting polymers

05/16/17

“Can certain plastics become harder with heat?”
Thermoplastic materials are widely used for their behavioral effects to induced heat. However, is it possible that some materials might become harder with temperature in an irreversible process? Well, let’s use our scientific mindset to find out. We know that when polymers become cross-linked, they become harder and tougher. So it would follow that when heated, they would be stronger when compared to a non-cross-linked material. What more, because these polymer chains are bonded to each other, they will not change shape after reheating! Thermosetting polymers have applications to be found everywhere, from latex gloves to erasers to bicycle tires.