Submitted To:

Dr. Muhammad Hussain Zahrvi

Presented By:
Ali Akbar
Muhammad Waseem A
Topic:
Thermoset Polymers and Gels
Course:
Introduction to Material Science
Polymers
O A polymer is a substance or material consisting of very
large molecules called macromolecules, composed of
many repeating subunits.
O It is a long chain molecule that is formed from small
molecules linking together.
Types of Polymers
Here we are going to discuss about
THERMOSETTING POLYMERS
Outline:
◙ Definition
◙ Preparation
◙ Properties
◙ Uses
◙ Advantages & Disadvantages
◙ Applications
Definition
O A thermosetting polymer which is also known as a
thermoset or thermosetting plastic is a polymer
consisting of cross-linked structure or heavily
branched molecules.
O Thermosetting Polymers are the type of polymers
where the macromolecular chains tend to bond with
one another forming the cross-linked 3D network.
Preparation
The Thermosets or the Thermosetting Polymers are
prepared using chemical reactions of a minimum of
two materials.
 One of these reactants is the monomer that is
responsible for forming the final chain of the
polymer.
 The 2nd component is the cross-linker, also called
comonomer, which acts as the substance of cross-
linking.
Properties
O They harden during the moulding process
and after solidifying they cannot be softened.

O Typically, when the polymers are moulded and

shaped they acquire a three-dimensional
cross-linked structure along with strong
covalent bonds.
Uses
Here are different
thermosetting polymers
materials that are used in
our daily life.
POLYARETHANE
MELAMINE FORMALDEHYDE
UREA
FORMALDEHYDE
POLYESTER
RESIN
 ADVANTAGES

O They are more resistant to high temperatures

O They have high levels of dimensional stability
O They are cost-effective
O They allow highly flexible design.
O They increase chemical resistance and
structural integrity
O There is no reversible changing behavior in the
thermoset.
 DISADVANTAGES

O The thermoset plastics can’t be recycled.

O It is difficult to provide a smooth surface finish to

thermosetting polymers.

O  It can’t be remoulded or reshaped.

EXAMPLES
O It is mainly used for making electrical
switches
O It is used in kitchenware and fabrics as well as
floor tiles.
O Some other examples of thermoset plastic
polymers include silicones, vulcanized rubber,
epoxies, polyesters and phenolic.
 GELS
The term gel represents a physical state with
properties intermediate between those of solid
and liquids.

It is often wrongly used to describe any fluid

system that exhibit some degree of rigidity .
PROPERTIES OF GELS
O Swelling
O Syneresis
O Ageing
O Absorption of vapours by Xerogel
APPLICATIONS OF GELS

O Glycogelatin gels are used as a basis for

medicated pestilles.
O Formulation of some suppositories i.e.
Glycerin
O Used in hard and soft capsules
O Avoid oral drug degradation
O Used in gel filtration
O Aerogels