Difference between Thermoplastic and Thermosetting Plastic - Definition, Examples, FAQs

Thermoplastic

A thermoplastic is a type of plastic that softens on heating and hardens on cooling, and this process can be repeated many times without any chemical change. Because of this property, thermoplastics are easily moulded, reshaped, and recycled.

Characteristics of Thermoplastics

• Soften on heating and harden on cooling (reversible change)
• Can be remoulded and recycled
• Consists of linear or slightly branched polymer chains
• Held together by weak intermolecular forces
• Generally less rigid and have lower melting points than thermosetting plastics

Examples

• Polythene (PE)
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
• Polystyrene (PS)
• Polypropylene (PP)
• Teflon (PTFE)

Related Topics

• Bakelite structure, properties application
• Natural Fibres
• Difference Between Physical and Chemical Change
• Difference Between Compound and Mixture

Thermosetting Plastic

A thermosetting plastic is a type of plastic that hardens permanently on heating due to extensive cross-linking between polymer chains. Once set, it cannot be softened, remoulded, or recycled by reheating.

Key Characteristics of Thermosetting Plastics

• Harden permanently on heating (irreversible change)
• Undergo chemical change during heating
• Possess a highly cross-linked, rigid structure
• Do not soften on reheating
• Have high thermal and mechanical strength
• Resistant to heat, chemicals, and electricity

Examples

• Bakelite
• Melamine
• Urea–formaldehyde resin
• Epoxy resins
• Phenol–formaldehyde

Difference Between Thermoplastic and Thermosetting Plastic

Speaking of the difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting, well, the main difference between this is that thermoplastic materials often have low melting points because they can be further recycled or reused easily. On the other hand, thermosetting plastic is completely different. They can withstand high temperatures and in extreme cases these cannot be changed or reused even if heat is used. In any case, let us consider some important differentiate between thermoplastic and thermosetting plastics between the two compounds below.

Thermoplastic Resins

New Thermoplastic resins from PolyVisions. The use of thermoplastic frames began in the mid-1800s. This material is a type of polymer compound that has the ability to soften or melt when undergoing a thermal process. Once the object has cooled, the resin returns to its original state. The first commercial product made of a thermoplastic material is celluloid. It was also used to make audio cassettes. Today, thermoplastic manufacturers use frames to produce consumer products from drinking bottles to food wrappers, stretching fabric to toys, and blocking sound system cabinets. Top options for thermoplastic compounders, PolyVisions Inc. leads the way in finding new resin formulations to make more and better commercial products.

Also check:

Difference Between Nylon and Plastic

Not all wall plugs are the same for both types of plastic and nylon available for purchase. Nylon is a common name for the family of synthetic polymers, based on aliphatic or aromatic polyamides. Nylon so it is an extremely durable material that meets the highest quality and safety requirements. Fischer prides itself on ensuring strong and secure fixes that will last a long time, and that is why all Fischer plugs are made of 100% virgin nylon.

Polyamide, a key component of nylon, absorbs moisture from the surrounding environment in its cellular formulation, which contributes to its high impact strength and resistance to abrasion. If we take a nylon and a plastic plug and put both of them in a glass of water, the plastic plug floats, and the nylon plug sinks in it. The reason is that nylon is compact and, hence, is very durable and strong.

Nylon plugs from Fischer on average, 50% higher grip strength than their plastic counterparts. The high mechanical strength and durability of the polyamide material allow the plugs to carry high loads due to their expanding capacity and reduced friction. The advantageous properties of polyamide translate into high absorption capacity. In addition, nylon can withstand much higher temperatures than plastic, which means that these plugs will not be disabled in the heat generated by the collision when the screws are inserted into the wall.

Polyamide repair materials are resistant to a variety of weather conditions - natural aging, corrosion, decay, and a range of chemical substances. Another major advantage of polyamide over traditional repairs is that it is more UV-resistant than plastic. The impact of continuous sunlight, it will last much longer than plastic plugs, which means nylon plugs last much longer and are more expensive in the long run.

Some Solved Examples

Question 1: Which of the following polymers can be softened repeatedly on heating?

A. Bakelite
B. Melamine
C. Polythene
D. Urea–formaldehyde

Solution:
Polythene is a thermoplastic. Thermoplastics consist of linear or slightly branched polymer chains held together by weak intermolecular forces. On heating, these forces weaken and the plastic softens. On cooling, it hardens again without chemical change. Bakelite, melamine, and urea–formaldehyde are thermosetting plastics.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C)

Question 2: Which property is responsible for the non-remouldable nature of thermosetting plastics?

A. High molecular mass
B. Weak intermolecular forces
C. Extensive cross-linking between chains
D. Presence of plasticizers

Solution:
Thermosetting plastics have a highly cross-linked three-dimensional network. Heating causes permanent covalent bonds to form between polymer chains, making the structure rigid. Hence, they cannot be remoulded.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C)

Question 3: Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?

A. PVC – Thermosetting plastic
B. Polythene – Thermosetting plastic
C. Bakelite – Thermoplastic
D. Polystyrene – Thermoplastic

Solution:
Polystyrene is a thermoplastic and can be softened repeatedly. PVC and polythene are also thermoplastics, while bakelite is thermosetting.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D)

Question 4: Which statement is true for thermoplastics but not for thermosetting plastics?

A. They undergo a chemical change on heating
B. They have a cross-linked structure
C. They can be recycled
D. They are heat-resistant

Solution:
Thermoplastics can be recycled because heating causes only a physical change. Thermosetting plastics undergo chemical change and cannot be recycled.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C)