Post-cure

The chemical process by which a liquid resin or adhesive hardens into its final solid state through crosslinking, driven by a hardener, catalyst, heat, moisture or radiation depending on the chemistry. Full properties develop only when cure is complete, which can take considerably longer than the initial set.

The temperature region over which an amorphous or partly amorphous polymer changes from a rigid, glassy state to a softer, rubbery one. It sets a practical upper service temperature for resins and adhesives and can be reduced by absorbed moisture or incomplete cure.

The formation of chemical bonds between polymer chains, tying them into a three-dimensional network. It is the reaction underlying thermoset cure and determines rigidity, chemical resistance and the inability of cured resins to be re-melted.

The heat released by a thermosetting resin as it cures. In thick sections or large mixed volumes the temperature rise can be severe enough to cause discolouration, cracking or degradation, so laminate thickness per pass and mixing quantities are managed to control it.