SPE-Inspiring Plastics Professionals

You can gain direct access to industry experts for the latest insights and innovations in plastics through events, workshops, webinars, and publications.

You can grow in the plastics industry through building relationships with your peers, participating in events, engaging in SPE’s online communities, and by connecting through mentorship opportunities.

SPE offers pathways for you to become a leader in plastics, helping you build your network, gain industry recognition, and advance professionally.

SPE connects your business with influential industry leaders, including key decision-makers, through multiple platforms, that help strengthen your presence in the plastics industry.

SPE supports the plastics industry through the SPE Foundation by funding educational programs, and providing grants and scholarships for students. SPE also supports the industry through participating in programs such as the United Nations Environment Assembly.

0

Countries

0K+

Stakeholders

0K+

Technical Papers

0

Publications

0+

Programs per Year

SPE ANTEC® 2026

Solve real-world challenges! Make connections! ANTEC® 2026 is where you will find the latest breakthroughs in plastics technology, advanced polymer research, and next-generation processing solutions.

Learn More

  On Demand Workshop

Introduction to the Fundamentals of Thermosetting Resin Chemistry

Introduction to the Fundamentals of Thermosetting Resin Chemistry

  Summary

Thermosets are a family of polymers that play a very important role in today’s world; that is different from thermoplastic polymers. Thermosets undergo crosslinking reactions that form rigid polymers which have good mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties for many industrial applications. Thermosets start with mixtures of various monomers that can be formulated for different needs and be applied and processed in a variety of ways to create distinctively cured properties that cannot be achieved otherwise. This tutorial will introduce the audience to many different types of thermosets, their chemistry and properties. We will also cover their advantages, challenges, and applications.

  Agenda

May 27, 2026
Session 1
Duration: 1½ Hours
May 28, 2026
Session 2
Duration: 1½ Hours
May 29, 2026
Session 3
Duration: 1½ Hours
 

If you can't attend one or several sessions live, or if you want to review some concepts, the recordings will be available after each session.


  Who Should Purchase On Demand?

This workshop is designed for professionals who need a clear and practical understanding of different thermosetting resin families and how to compare them for industrial applications, including:

  • Materials, polymer, and chemical engineers
  • Product designers and application engineers
  • R&D scientists and lab technicians
  • Manufacturing and process engineers working with composites, coatings, adhesives, or molding compounds
  • Quality, reliability, and failure-analysis professionals
  • Technical sales, formulators, and supplier support teams
  • Students and early-career professionals entering polymer or resin-chemistry fields

  Why Should You Purchase On Demand?

Thermosetting resins differ significantly from one another, and selecting the right system requires understanding how chemistry, formulation, and curing behavior influence final performance. This workshop provides a structured introduction to major thermoset families and explains how their properties, processing characteristics, and performance advantages compare, enabling better material selection for demanding applications.

  Everyday Problems You’ll Address

  • What are the practical differences between epoxy, phenolic, polyester, vinyl ester, polyurethane, silicone, and other thermosets?
  • Why do some thermosets offer high heat resistance while others prioritize flexibility or toughness?
  • How do curing mechanisms and crosslink density vary between thermoset families?
  • Which thermosets perform best in chemically aggressive or high-temperature environments?
  • How do formulation choices change processing windows and final properties?
  • When are thermosets interchangeable, and when are they not?

  What You’ll Learn

You will learn:

  • The chemistry and reaction mechanisms behind major thermosetting resin families
  • How differences in molecular structure affect mechanical, thermal, electrical, and chemical properties
  • Comparative performance of key thermosets (epoxies, phenolics, polyesters, vinyl esters, polyurethanes, silicones, and others)
  • How cure conditions, catalysts, and stoichiometry influence final material behavior
  • How to match thermoset systems to application requirements such as heat resistance, chemical durability, electrical insulation, and toughness
  • Typical applications and limitations of each thermoset family

  Why This Course Matters

Thermosetting resins are critical for high-performance applications where durability, heat resistance, and chemical stability are required. Because each thermoset family behaves differently, improper material selection can lead to processing difficulties, premature failure, or unnecessary cost. This course equips professionals with the knowledge to compare thermosets effectively, make informed material-selection decisions, improve communication with suppliers and designers, and reduce risk when developing or qualifying thermosetting resin systems.

  On Demand Information

SPE Premium Member$405
SPE Members$450
Nonmembers$650

NOTE: This On Demand offering ends on 11/30/2026.

Not an SPE member? Join today and purchase this on demand workshop at a discounted rate!


  Workshop Packs

Strengthen your team’s skills and take advantage of group savings with an SPE On Demand Workshop Pack.
Go here for Workshop Pack information and registration.


 
3 Sessions
 
Level: Intermediate
 
Total Hours: 4½ Hours
 
Streaming access on desktop and mobile browsers

  Instructor

Roger Tietze
Senior Technical Consultant
PART Consulting LLC
  LinkedIn

Roger Tietze is a technical consultant and co-owner of PART Consulting LLC. PART Consulting offers technical and marketing support services for firms in the composite, coatings, adhesive, electronic and electrical industries. Roger’s specialty is the formulation of various thermosetting resin chemistries to meet customer performance criteria and the need for applying the formulation to the customers manufacturing processes. Roger has managed various roles in research & technology, customer service technical support; and in engineering for manufacturing for more than 30 years.


  Questions? Contact:

For questions, contact Iván D. López.

spe2018logov4.png