Characterization of Thermosets by Thermal Analysis
This webinar discusses the most important thermal properties of thermosets and describes the thermal analysis techniques that can be used to measure them.
What Is a Thermoset?
A thermoset is a polymer that undergoes a particular chemical reaction, known as curing, to form a permanent, crosslinked structure that cannot be melted or remolded to form a new shape. Thermosets are typically rigid, insoluble materials with high mechanical strength and temperature stability.
Examples include epoxy resins, phenolic resins, polyesters and polyurethanes
Different thermal techniques can be used to determine the key properties of these materials:
- DSC: Useful for determining glass transition, melting, reaction enthalpies, curing and thermal stability.
- TGA: Mainly used for composition analysis, thermal stability, decomposition, evaporation and desorption behavior.
- TMA: Normally used to study mechanical behavior such as expansion, shrinkage, softening, plus glass transition.
- DMA: Best for studying viscoelastic behavior, glass transition and frequency-dependent effects.
