PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a thermoplastic and is used for making toys, chappals, etc. Bakelite is a thermosetting plastic and is used for making electrical switches, handles of various utensils, etc. Can you write the major difference between these two types of plastics?

Question

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a thermoplastic and is used for making toys, chappals, etc. Bakelite is a thermosetting plastic and is used for making electrical switches, handles of various utensils, etc. Can you write the major difference between these two types of plastics?

Philoid · Accepted Answer

Thermoplastics on heating get deformed (its shape and size can be altered) and thus can also be bent. On the other hand, thermosetting plastics cannot be bent once moulded. Some examples of Thermoplastics are – Polythene and PVC. Some examples of Thermosetting plastics are – Bakelite and Melamine.