Thermoplastics Thermosets
Thermoplastics Thermosets - Related Videos
16:00
Fabrication of the Thermoplastic Microfluidic Channels
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2008
Here we demonstrate how to fabricate thermoplastic microfluidic chips using hot embossing and heat sealing. Then we demonstrate how to use in situ light directed surface grafting and polymerization through the sealed chip to form the composite solid phase columns.
08:40
Ultrasonic Welding of Thermoplastic Composite Coupons for Mechanical Characterization of Welded Joints through Single Lap Shear Testing
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Cited by 4 •
2016
A straightforward procedure for ultrasonic welding of thermoplastic composite coupons for basic mechanical testing is described. Key characteristics of this ultrasonic welding process are the use of flat energy directors for simplified process preparation and the use of process data for the fast definition of optimum processing conditions.
07:30
Using Archival Japanese Paper and Thermoplastic Resins to Prepare Fossils for Storage, Display, Transport, and Radiography
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2025
This article presents a suite of techniques for reconstructing fossil specimens using paper-resin composites. These composites are made by combining archival-grade paper with thermoplastic resins commonly used in fossil preparation laboratories. The resulting lightweight composites add long-term stability to specimens while retaining suitability for radiological analyses.
09:08
Three-dimensional Printing of Thermoplastic Materials to Create Automated Syringe Pumps with Feedback Control for Microfluidic Applications
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Cited by 3 •
2018
Here we present a protocol to construct a pressure-controlled syringe pump to be used in microfluidic applications. This syringe pump is made from an additively manufactured body, off-the-shelf hardware, and open-source electronics. The resulting system is low-cost, straightforward to build, and delivers well-regulated fluid flow to enable rapid microfluidic research.
08:44
Tension Tests of Polymers
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2023
Source: Roberto Leon, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA Polymeric materials are widely used in civil structures, with uses ranging from very soft sealants to more rigid pipes in water and wastewater systems. The most basic definition of a polymer is a molecular structure with repeating subunits. The term polymer comes from Greek, where "poly" means many, and "-mer" means basic unit. Monomers, or single mers, are the specific repeating units. With...
FAQs
Permanent cross-links restrict movement between polymer chains, which helps thermosets retain their shape under heat and resist dimensional change. This network structure also supports their use where thermal stability and chemical resistance are important. The same permanence limits reshaping after curing, so engineers must select the intended geometry and service conditions before processing.
Reprocessability gives thermoplastics greater manufacturing flexibility because rejected or reshaped parts can be reheated and formed again. Thermosets do not offer the same option after curing because their cross-linked structure cannot be melted into a new form. This distinction affects production planning, repair strategies, material efficiency, and how engineers evaluate recyclability.
The structural class influences mechanical strength, thermal stability, chemical resistance, manufacturability, and recyclability. Engineers therefore compare more than room-temperature strength: they also consider whether a component must retain dimensions under heat, tolerate chemical exposure, or undergo repeated forming. These criteria connect polymer structure directly to expected performance and processing constraints.
Selection depends on the balance between processing flexibility and long-term stability. Thermoplastics are appropriate when repeated reshaping or manufacturing methods such as injection molding and extrusion are valuable. Thermosets become more suitable when the design prioritizes dimensional stability, heat resistance, chemical resistance, or a permanent cured structure over reprocessability.
Thermoplastics can be heated, shaped, cooled, and processed again, supporting operations such as injection molding and extrusion. Thermosets require a curing stage that establishes their permanent cross-linked structure, after which they cannot be remelted into a new form. The selected route therefore depends on whether the product needs repeatable forming or permanent set.
Thermosets are used in adhesives, coatings, electrical components, and composite matrices because these applications can benefit from dimensional stability and heat resistance. Their cured structure is especially relevant when a material must maintain a designed form during service. By contrast, thermoplastics are favored in applications where manufacturability and repeated processing provide greater value.