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In this article, the author has explained 9 Difference Between Thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic.
Thermoplastic and thermosetting plastics are both types of plastic, but they have very different properties. Thermoplastics can be reshaped many times while thermosetting plastics cannot. When thermoplastics cool down, they harden and become rigid so if you want to change the shape of your object, it is best to work with them while they are still hot.
What is thermosetting plastic?
Thermosetting plastics, also known as thermoset plastics, are plastics that harden when heated. They can be molded and shaped to form a variety of products before they are hardened. Examples of thermosetting plastic are uPVC and Bakelite.
This type of plastic is commonly found in many household appliances such as chairs and tables, ovens and microwaves.
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What is thermoplastic plastics?
Thermoplastics, on the other hand, don’t require heat to cure them- they simply need to be mixed with plasticizers like phthalates or polyesters. Examples of thermoplastic plastic are nylon, PVC, and CPVC.
This type of plastic is commonly found in bottles, food containers, flower pots, or any other common household items that are made from molding techniques.
9 Differences between Thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic
- The main difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic is how permanent their shape is after it has been cured; thermoplastics can still be remolded after being cured whereas thermosets cannot!
- The second difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic is the production process. Thermoplastics are made from petroleum while thermosets come from other chemicals such as coal tar or limestone, which is a natural resource!
- The third difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic is the physical properties each type of plastic has. Thermoplastics are highly resistant to heat and chemicals, while thermosets tend to be less chemically stable than thermoplastics.
- The fourth difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic is what happens when you try to recycle them! Most plastics can only be recycled once or twice before they are no longer suitable for recycling; however, thermoplastics can be recycled an unlimited number of times!
- The fifth difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic is the ability to return it back to its original state after being remolded. Thermoplastics can do this easily because their molecules are mobile whereas in order to remold thermosets, you would need to use strong chemicals like sulfuric acid!
- The sixth difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic is the ease of coloring the plastics. Thermoplastics can be colored easily, while thermosets have a low ability to accept dye molecules because they are so large!
- the seventh difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic is their different types. The most common thermoplastics include acrylics, polystyrene, PVC and ABS; while the most common thermosets include phenolic, urea-aldehyde and epoxy!
- the eighth difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic is their physical properties. Thermoplastics tend to be more flexible than thermosets; however, they can break when exposed to stress or abuse. On the other hand, these plastics tend to be more brittle than thermoplastics and can break when exposed to heat or stress.
- the ninth difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic is the process used for producing them! Thermoplastics are produced using a metal mold whereas most thermosets are made using compression molds or injection molding processes.