thermosetting

American  

[thur-moh-set-ing] / ˈθɜr moʊˌsɛt ɪŋ /

adjective

1. pertaining to a type of plastic, as the urea resins, that sets when heated and cannot be remolded.

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thermosetting British  

/ ˌθɜːməʊˈsɛtɪŋ /

adjective

1. (of a material, esp a synthetic plastic or resin) hardening permanently after one application of heat and pressure. Thermosetting plastics, such as phenol-formaldehyde, cannot be remoulded Compare thermoplastic

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thermosetting Scientific  

/ thûr′mō-sĕt′ĭng /

1. Relating to a compound that softens when initially heated, but hardens permanently once it has cooled. Thermosetting materials are made of long-chain polymers that cross-link with each other after they have been heated, rendering the substance permanently hard.

2. Compare thermoplastic

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Etymology

Origin of thermosetting

First recorded in 1935–40; thermo- + setting

Example Sentences

In 2014 critical advances were made in this area with the publication of a landmark paper in Science announcing the discovery of new classes of thermosetting polymers that are recyclable.

From Scientific American