What term describes a plastic that undergoes a chemical change during curing and cannot be reshaped once set?

Prepare for the WJEC Level 1 and 2 Engineering Exam. Explore multiple choice questions, flashcards, and detailed explanations to enhance your understanding. Get exam-ready today!

Multiple Choice

What term describes a plastic that undergoes a chemical change during curing and cannot be reshaped once set?

Explanation:
Thermoset plastics undergo a chemical cross-linking reaction during curing, forming a rigid three‑dimensional network. Once this network is set, it cannot be melted and reshaped by heating, so the material cannot be reshaped after curing. That specific behavior—chemical change leading to irreversible hardening—defines a thermoset plastic. A composite material is simply a combination of materials and isn’t defined by this curing chemistry; ductility is about how much a material can stretch without breaking, and hardness is about resistance to indentation.

Thermoset plastics undergo a chemical cross-linking reaction during curing, forming a rigid three‑dimensional network. Once this network is set, it cannot be melted and reshaped by heating, so the material cannot be reshaped after curing. That specific behavior—chemical change leading to irreversible hardening—defines a thermoset plastic. A composite material is simply a combination of materials and isn’t defined by this curing chemistry; ductility is about how much a material can stretch without breaking, and hardness is about resistance to indentation.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy