The word "thermosetting" is spelled with the prefix "thermo" which means heat and the suffix "setting" which suggests a process of hardening or solidifying. The IPA phonetic transcription for "thermosetting" is /ˈθɜːməʊˌsɛtɪŋ/. The stress is on the second syllable, followed by the long "o" sound in "thermo" and the short "e" sound in "setting". "Set" in "setting" is pronounced as "sɛt". The word "thermosetting" is commonly used in the manufacturing and engineering industries to describe materials that are made to harden permanently under heat.
Thermosetting is an adjective used to describe a type of material or substance that undergoes a permanent chemical change when heated and then cooled. This process, known as curing or cross-linking, causes the material to harden or solidify into a rigid and irreversible state. Thermosetting materials possess a unique property that distinguishes them from thermoplastics, as they cannot be melted or reshaped once they have undergone this curing process.
Thermosetting materials are commonly used in various industries due to their heat resistance, durability, and dimensional stability. They are frequently found in manufacturing processes such as molding, casting, and laminating. Some common examples of thermosetting materials include epoxy resins, silicone rubbers, and phenolic plastics.
The curing of thermosetting materials can be achieved through different processes such as heating, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, or the addition of a catalyst or hardener. Once cured, these materials exhibit a high resistance to heat, chemicals, and electrical conductivity. This makes them suitable for applications where strength, durability, and stability are crucial, such as in automotive parts, electrical insulation, circuit boards, and construction materials.
In summary, thermosetting refers to materials that irreversibly harden when subjected to heat or other curing methods. They are widely used in various industries for their excellent physical and chemical properties, providing strength, stability, and resistance to heat and chemicals.
The word "thermosetting" is derived from the combination of two terms: "thermo-" and "setting".
The prefix "thermo-" comes from the Greek word "thermos", meaning "heat" or "hot". This prefix is commonly used to indicate a relationship or involvement with heat or temperature.
The word "setting" stems from the Old English word "settan" which means "to put, place, or set". In the context of "thermosetting", it refers to the process of curing or hardening a material under the influence of heat or other forms of energy.
Therefore, when these two terms are combined, "thermosetting" refers to the property of a material or substance that becomes permanently hardened or cured when exposed to heat or other appropriate conditions.