Thermoplastics

Thermoplastics: Bakelite

Typical applications

Electrical industry and electronics

Due to their exceptional electrical insulation and non-flammability, thermosets are indispensable here.

• Electrical switches and sockets: Housings of household and industrial switches (often made of bakelite or melamine resins).
• Printed Circuit Boards (PCB): Substrates for electronic circuits (mostly made of glass fiber reinforced epoxy resins – FR-4).
• Fuse and circuit breaker housings: Components that must withstand possible short circuits and high temperatures.
• Insulators and transformer parts: Components in high-voltage power engineering.

Automotive and aerospace industries

Composite thermosets (e.g. reinforced with carbon or glass fibers) are mainly used, replacing metals due to their lower weight.

• Engine parts: Valve covers, intake manifolds, pump housings and other parts near the engine that are exposed to heat and oil.
• Brake pads and clutches: Friction surfaces where extreme temperatures occur (use of phenolic resins).
• Body parts and structural elements: In sports cars and aircraft (carbon fiber with epoxy resin) to achieve high strength at low weight.

Household and everyday use

In everyday life, thermosets are found in places that come into direct contact with fire or cooking.

• Kitchenware handles: Handles on pots, pans and lids that stay cool and don't melt.
• Toilet seats: Premium toilet seats are made of duroplast, as they are resistant to scratches, chemical cleaners and are hygienically stable.
• Kitchen countertops and laminates: Surfaces from brands like Ultrapas use melamine resins to resist hot pots and scratches.

Construction and resin industry

• Adhesives and coatings: Epoxy adhesives and strong industrial floor coatings.
• Wind farms: Wind turbine blades are made of composite duroplastics due to dynamic loads and weather influences.