What type of polymers is compression moulding suited for?

Compression moulding is particularly suited for thermosetting polymers due to the nature of how these materials cure and set. When thermosetting polymers are subjected to heat and pressure during the compression moulding process, they undergo a chemical reaction that transforms them from a pliable state to a rigid structure. This cross-linking reaction is irreversible, meaning that once set, the material cannot be reshaped or remelted, which is an essential characteristic of thermosetting plastics.

Thermoplastic polymers, on the other hand, can be reheated and reshaped multiple times, which makes them more suited to processes like injection moulding or blow moulding rather than compression moulding. Elastomers also possess significant elastic properties that require different processing techniques to maintain their flexibility and strength. Biodegradable polymers, while versatile, often depend on specific processing methods that optimize their unique properties.

Thus, the distinct feature of thermosetting polymers— their ability to form a durable, solid shape through a curing process in a compression moulding setup—makes this method particularly effective for producing items from these types of polymers.