Thermoplastics and thermosets

Plastics are synthetic materials produced through chemical processes. They can be divided into two broad categories: thermosets and thermoplastics. The distinction between these two categories lies in their chemical properties and their behavior when heated.

Thermoplastics

Thermoplastics are plastics that soften and melt when heated. Unlike thermosets, thermoplastics do not undergo a chemical reaction when heated; they retain their chemical structure and can be repeatedly melted and reshaped. This means that thermoplastics can be heated in their solid state, melted, and formed into various shapes by molding or extrusion. Upon cooling, they retain their new shape.

Examples of thermoplastics include polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyamide and polystyrene. Thermoplastics are widely used in various industries due to their formability, low melting point and recyclability. Typical applications include packaging, pipes, automotive components, toys and textile fibers.

Thermosets

Thermosets are plastics that undergo a chemical reaction when heated, causing them to cure and become irreversible. This reaction is also referred to as a thermosetting reaction. During this process, the molecular chains crosslink, forming a strong and rigid three-dimensional network.

This network ensures that thermosets do not melt or deform when exposed to further heating. Thermosets are commonly used in applications where strength, hardness and dimensional stability are required, such as in the production of aircraft components, electronic housings and composite materials.

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