Explain the difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting plastics
Answers
Answer:
Thermoset
Thermoset Curing Process
Thermoset plastics contain polymers that cross-link together during the curing process to form an irreversible chemical bond. The cross-linking process eliminates the risk of the product remelting when heat is applied, making thermosets ideal for high-heat applications such as electronics and appliances.
Features & Benefits
Thermoset plastics significantly improve the material’s mechanical properties, providing enhances chemical resistance, heat resistance and structural integrity. Thermoset plastics are often used for sealed products due to their resistance to deformation.
Pros
More resistant to high temperatures than thermoplastics
Highly flexible design
Thick to thin wall capabilities
Excellent aesthetic appearance
High levels of dimensional stability
Cost-effective
Cons
Cannot be recycled
More difficult to surface finish
Cannot be remolded or reshaped
Thermoplastics
Thermoplastics Curing Process
Thermoplastics pellets soften when heated and become more fluid as additional heat is applied. The curing process is completely reversible as no chemical bonding takes place. This characteristic allows thermoplastics to be remolded and recycled without negatively affecting the material’s physical properties.
Features & Benefits
There are multiple thermoplastic resins that offer various performance benefits, but most materials commonly offer high strength, shrink-resistance and easy bendability. Depending on the resin, thermoplastics can serve low-stress applications such as plastic bags or high-stress mechanical parts.
Pros
Highly recyclable
Aesthetically-superior finishes
High-impact resistance
Remolding/reshaping capabilities
Chemical resistant
Hard crystalline or rubbery surface options
Eco-friendly manufacturing
Cons
Generally more expensive than thermoset
Can melt if heated
Answer:
The primary physical difference is that thermoplastics can be remelted back into a liquid, whereas thermoset plastics always remain in a permanent solid state.
Explanation:
Thermoplastics are defined as polymers that can be melted and recast almost indefinitely. They are molten when heated and harden upon cooling. When frozen, however, a thermoplastic becomes glass-like and subject to fracture.
A thermosetting polymer, resin, or plastic, often called a thermoset, is a polymer that is irreversibly hardened by curing from a soft solid or viscous liquid prepolymer or resin. Curing is induced by heat or suitable radiation and may be promoted by high pressure, or mixing with a catalyst.
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