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)