thermosetting compositions

8.6

Materials that harden when heated and cannot be made into a new shape

noun
/ˌθɜrməˈsɛtɪŋ kəmˈpɔzɪʃənz/

Specialized

: composiciones termofijables

Unlike thermoplastics, thermosetting compositions cannot be melted and reshaped once they have set.

Examples

Epoxy resins are common thermosetting compositions used in adhesives and coatings.
Bakelite is one of the earliest thermosetting compositions developed for industrial use.
Many manufacturers use thermosetting compositions for their durable products.
What are the advantages of thermosetting compositions?
Bakelite is one of the earliest thermosetting compositions developed for industrial use.
Unlike thermoplastics, thermosetting compositions cannot be melted and reshaped once they have set.
Epoxy resins are common thermosetting compositions used in adhesives and coatings.

Synonyms

thermosetting resin

vsthermosetting compositions

Specialized

8.5

A type of plastic that hardens when heated and cannot be melted again

is a broader term for various materials or formulations that harden irreversibly

Antonyms

thermoplastic

Specialized

1 6.9

Can become soft when heated and hard when cooled

Surface Forms

thermosetting composition singular

thermosetting compositions plural

Morphology

thermosetting + composition

The phrase is a straightforward adjective + noun combination: 'thermosetting' (hardens permanently when heated) modifies 'compositions' (materials or makeup), so the meaning 'materials that become permanently hard when heated' follows directly from the constituents. This compositional adjective–noun pattern is regular and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Thermosetting compositions uses a simple image: thermo means heat and setting means becoming fixed, so like a cooked egg, once they harden with heat they 'cannot be remelted or reshaped'.