Thermoset Materials

Thermoset materials are a type of polymer that undergo a chemical reaction during the curing process, resulting in an irreversible change in their molecular structure. This process is known as crosslinking, where the polymer chains become interconnected, forming a rigid and three-dimensional network. Once thermoset materials are cured, they cannot be melted or reshaped like thermoplastics.

Thermoset materials have several unique properties that make them desirable for various applications. They exhibit excellent dimensional stability, high heat resistance, and superior mechanical strength. They are also known for their electrical insulation properties, chemical resistance, and durability.

As opposed to thermoplastics, thermosets are injected at a relatively low 'melt' temperature into a relatively hot mold where curing can take place. In terms of simulating this process, accurately capturing how these materials cure (curing kinetics) is important not only to predict the degree of cure, but also the material's viscosity (reactive viscosity). Together with the thermal and PVT properties, the best opportunity to achieve an accurate thermoset simulation requires each of these material properties to be accurately modelled.