Explain why the following are made of thermosetting plastics.

(a) Saucepan handles

(b) Electric plugs/switches/plug boards

(a) Saucepan handles are made of thermosetting plastics because these plastics do not get softened on heating. Also, these plastics, example, Bakelite are poor conductors of heat. So, when you heat the pan, it cannot be transferred to the handle and thus the person holding the pan will be safe.

(b) Thermosetting plastics such as Bakelite are poor conductors of both heat and electricity. Therefore, they are used for making electric plugs, switches, plug boards, etc.