Introduction

Plastics are materials that are used in multiple sectors due to their versatility and safety. In addition, its production is cheaper than that of conventional materials. Plastics are divided into two main categories: thermoplastics and thermoset plastics. In this article, we will discuss the differences between the two.

Thermoplastics

Thermoplastics are plastic materials that can melt repeatedly with increasing temperature and solidify with decreasing temperature. These plastics are highly flexible and can be molded to any desired shape. Thermoplastics are recyclable through melting and molding. These plastics are easy to produce and their production costs are relatively low.

Examples of Thermoplastics

• Polyethylene (PE)
• Polycarbonate (PC)
• Polyester (PET)
• Polypropylene (PP)

Thermostable Plastics

Thermoset plastics, unlike thermoplastics, cannot be repeatedly melted and molded by the application of heat. Once molded, they permanently solidify and become rigid. These plastics have high heat resistance and are more durable than thermoplastics. However, thermoset plastics are not recyclable like thermoplastics.

Examples of Thermoset Plastics

• bakelite
• Epoxy
• Fiberglass
• Urea-formaldehyde resin

Conclusions

Both categories of plastics have their own unique characteristics and applications. Thermoplastics are ideal for mass production of plastic products that are relatively simple in design and are not exposed to extreme temperatures. Thermoset plastics are essential in the production of products that need to be heat resistant and durable. In any case, the selection of the type of plastic depends on the application and specific production needs.

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