A thermoset coating is a protective covering substance consisting of strands of polymers that are highly cross-linked by strong chemical bonds and used to form a thin protective layer on metal surfaces. Thermoset coatings can withstand higher temperatures than common thermoplastics.
Thermoset coatings are used to prevent corrosion and other forms of degradation. The cross-linked structure created by the chemical bonds in thermosets directly leads to their relatively higher mechanical and physical strength compared to thermoplastics or elastomers. However, thermosets have poor elasticity, or elongation, to the material. Once hardened, thermosets cannot be reheated and melted to form different shapes.
Examples of thermoset coatings include epoxies, phenolics, and polyesters. They are generally resistant to melting, creep and expansion.
