---
title: "Thermosetting polymer; uses of epoxy resin"
subject: "Engineering Chemistry"
chapter: 4
key: "semester_2/engineering_chemistry:thermosetting-epoxy-uses"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_2/engineering_chemistry/thermosetting-epoxy-uses
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Thermosetting polymer; uses of epoxy resin

Engineering Chemistry · Chapter 4: Engineering Polymers

- Asked in: 2067 Mangsir, 2 marks
- Video: [Epoxy Resins Types, Uses and Properties](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tra8_V0VSsA) — CASE Chemistry
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_2/engineering_chemistry/thermosetting-epoxy-uses
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_2/engineering_chemistry/chapter-4

## Question

What is a thermosetting polymer? Write down the uses of epoxy resin.

## Short answer

A thermosetting polymer forms a permanent 3‑D cross‑linked network on curing, cannot be remoulded. Epoxy resins serve as strong adhesives (Araldite), protective coatings, electrical potting, glass‑epoxy laminates for PCBs, and matrices for fibre‑reinforced composites.

## Answer

A **thermosetting polymer** is a polymer that is cross-linked into a rigid 3-D network when heated or cured. It sets permanently, cannot be softened or remoulded on reheating, and is insoluble. Examples: Bakelite, epoxy resin, melamine–formaldehyde.

#### Uses of epoxy resin
- Strong adhesives (Araldite) for metal, glass and ceramics.
- Surface coatings, paints and protective linings for tanks and pipes.
- Electrical insulation and potting of electronic components; glass-epoxy laminates for printed circuit boards.
- Matrix of fibre-reinforced composites (aircraft, boats, sports goods).
- Flooring, castings, moulds and tools.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What happens to a thermosetting polymer on reheating after curing?
   A. It does not soften or remould
   B. It melts and can be recycled
   C. It dissolves in solvents
   D. It becomes linear again
   Answer: A. Cross-linked thermosets set permanently. (Key point: Definition)

2. Which are thermosetting polymers?
   A. Polyethylene and PVC
   B. Bakelite, epoxy resin and melamine–formaldehyde
   C. Nylon and polystyrene
   D. Teflon and PVC
   Answer: B. These three are cross-linked thermosets. (Key point: Examples)

3. Which is a use of epoxy resin?
   A. Elastic fibres
   B. Plastic bags
   C. Strong adhesive (Araldite) for metal, glass and ceramics
   D. Edible coating
   Answer: C. Epoxy resins bond metal, glass and ceramics strongly. (Key point: Epoxy adhesive)

4. How are epoxy resins used in electronics?
   A. As the conducting track
   B. As battery electrolyte
   C. As semiconductors
   D. Insulation, potting of components and glass-epoxy PCB laminates
   Answer: D. Epoxy is a good electrical insulator. (Key point: Electronics)

## Related in Engineering Chemistry

- [Epoxy resin preparation and uses](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_2%2Fengineering_chemistry%3Aepoxy-resin) — Engineering Chemistry, chapter 4, asked 2×
- [Nylon, Teflon and epoxy resin](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_2%2Fengineering_chemistry%3Anylon-teflon-epoxy) — Engineering Chemistry, chapter 4
- [Thermoplastic vs thermosetting polymers; Bakelite, epoxy](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_2%2Fengineering_chemistry%3Athermoplastic-thermosetting) — Engineering Chemistry, chapter 4
- [Biodegradable polymers; epoxy resin and polystyrene](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_2%2Fengineering_chemistry%3Abiodeg-epoxy-polystyrene) — Engineering Chemistry, chapter 4
- [Monomers of polyurethane, nylon 6,6, Bakelite, epoxy](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_2%2Fengineering_chemistry%3Amonomers-polymers) — Engineering Chemistry, chapter 4
- [Thermosetting vs thermoplastics; Bakelite](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_2%2Fengineering_chemistry%3Athermosetting-bakelite) — Engineering Chemistry, chapter 4

## Related in other subjects

- [Thermoplastics versus thermosetting plastics](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Athermoplastics-vs-thermosetting) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 10