thermosetadj.n.

1947 R. L. Wakeman Chem. Commercial Plastics xxvi. 782 Furfuryl alcohol can be reacted with formaldehyde to yield a viscous mass which can be cured to a thermoset composition by application of heat.

1972 Physics Bull. Nov. 663/2 Epoxy resins are polymers with one or more epoxide groups..which can be converted to a thermoset stage by reaction with appropriate curing agents.

1973 Sci. Amer. July 42/3 Today the matrix in glass-reinforced composites may be either a thermoset plastic, such as polyester, phenolic or epoxy, or any of a number of thermoplastic resins, such as nylon, polyethylene or polystyrene.

1973 J. M. G. Cowie Polymers i. 19 The thermoset plastics generally have superior abrasion and dimensional stability characteristics compared with the thermoplastics which have better flexural and impact properties. In contrast to the thermoplastics, thermosetting polymers..are changed irreversibly from fusible, soluble products into highly intractable crosslinked resins which cannot be moulded by flow.

1955 in M. Reifer Dict. New Words.

1958 Times Rev. Industry Aug. 57/1 Thermoplastics have gained a..market at the expense of thermosets.

1970 New Scientist 19 Mar. (Suppl.) 9/1 Reinforced thermosets are used in many high-strength applications from boat hulls to aircraft radomes.

1975 Sci. Amer. July 63/1 Nonmetals such as thermoplastics, thermosets, polytetrafluoroethylene and carbon-graphites are successful bearing materials because of their excellent resistance to scoring and erosion.