FUNCTION OF MATERIALS.

Polymers can be though as a material that contains many chemically bonded parts or units
which are bonded together to form a solid. Polymers serves as a matrix binding function of
amplifier used in the composite. In general, polymers are very useful for our daily life, there
are many things in our surrounding that made from polymers.
There are many type of polymers, one of them are thermosetting polymers or thermoset.
Thermoset plastics are synthetic materials that strengthen during being heated, but these
plastics cannot be remoulded or reheated after their initial heat-forming. The molecules of
these plastics are cross linked in three dimensions and this is why they cannot be reshaped or
recycled. The bond between the molecules is very strong.
Several function of thermosetting or thermoset polymers

a. Phenol formaldehyde functioning as plastic components in vehicles, telephones and

electrical components requiring high insulation. For example, dark coloured electrical
fittings and parts for domestic appliances, bottle tops, kettle handles, saucepan
handles.
b. Urea formaldehyde commonly used when producing electrical appliances casing. It
also used for electrical fittings, handles and control knobs, adhesives.
c. Polyester resin is used for car body repairs, sailing boats and corrugated sheet,
because of its lightness, toughness and resistance to water.
d. Melamine are for making floor tiles, kitchen wares and fabrics. Used in high pressure
decorative laminates such as Formica, melamine dinnerware, laminate flooring, and
dry erase boards.
e. Epoxy resin is used in a myriad of applications, including fiber-reinforced plastic
materials and general purpose adhesives.