I processed recycled polyethylene with lignocellulosic fibers through compressing and compounding. Thereafter the composite was left to cure so as to become hardened. Is this term curing appropriate in this case as it is thermoplastics composites and not thermoset?
in Polymer the term "curing" refers to cross-linking reaction in molecule chains. In thermoplastic we do not have that kind of reaction normally. The term is use for elastomers and thermosets as you suggest. If during the hardening process does not take place any chemical reaction I would say " curing" is incorrect.
Hello.
Yes, curing is mainly refers to hardening of a thermoset polymer material (such as epoxy, vinylester, polyester ...) through cross-linking of molecular chains. It is also used for rubbery materials (where it also takes the name: vulcanization. ). However, as no cross-linking is the case for thermoplastic materials, curing term should not be used for their processing.
curing is more appropriate for thermosets and not thermoplastics.You can use hardened or solidifed for thermoplastics
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