Explain the difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting plastics.


There are two types of plastics:

(a) Thermosetting plastics, and


(b) Thermoplastics.


(a) Thermosetting plastics: The plastics that shaped or moulded once, cannot be softened again by heating. It may break when forced to bend.


Example: Bakelite and melamine.


(b) Thermo plastics: The plastics that can be shaped, bent or moulded easily by heating. These are softened again by heating. It cannot break when forced to bend.


Example: Polythene and PVC (Poly-vinyl-chloride)


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