SPE WORKSHOP: Introduction to the Fundamentals of Thermosetting Resin Chemistry
Workshop
Introduction to the Fundamentals of Thermosetting Resin Chemistry
May 27, 28 & 29, 2026 All workshop days are from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM ET. Online
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 Attend?
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 Attend?
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.
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.
This educational program is provided as a service of SPE. The views and opinions expressed on this or any SPE educational program are those of the Speaker(s) and/or the persons appearing with the Speaker(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Society of Plastics Engineers, Inc. (SPE) or its officials, employees or designees. To comment or to present an opposing or supporting opinion, please contact us at info@4SPE.org.
Refund Policy
Full refund 14 days prior to the event start date. Please contact customerrelations@4spe.org for assistance with registration.
Copyright & Permission to Use
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Anti-Trust Statement
No discussion among members, volunteers, or staff, which attempts to arrive at any agreement regarding prices, terms or conditions of sale, distribution, volume, territories, or customers;
No activity or communication which might be construed as an attempt to prevent any person or business entity from gaining access to any market or customer for goods or services or any business entity from obtaining services or a supply of goods;
No activity or communication which might be construed as an agreement to refrain from purchasing or using any materials, equipment, services or supplies of or from any supplier; or
No other activity which violates anti-trust or applicable laws aimed at preventing unfair competition.
