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Thermoplastics can be melted into liquids using heat and then set again when they cool. This is often useful for recycling and such. Melt it down, make something else.
Thermosetting polymers cannot be melted down in such a way and will generally just burn if you try to heat them too much. It's quite common for thermosetting polymers to start off as a liquid and then be "cured" to become hard...often using heat. Once they have been cured, they cannot be reverted back to a liquid. This sounds disadvantageous but thermosetting polymers are usually much tougher than thermoplastics, so you just pick the right one for the job.
Like tyres, for example...you can't have them melting when they get hot, and they need to be tough so thermosetting polymers are a good idea.
A final note about thermoplastics: if you lower the temperature (usually it has to be a lot - there's a really cool balloon + liquid nitrogen experiment you can do for this) they will become a sort of glass, but will revert back when warmed through.
The two are very different in terms of packing. I'm sure there is some overlap but generally speaking, thermoplastics tend to polymerise in long chains that then pack together. Thermosetting polymers take on a more permanent 3D structure.
There's a lot to say about them, but those are some major bullet points. Search Google for further reading, or ask a more specific question if one is needed.
What else can I help you with?
Why are thermoplastics and thermosettings different?
there r differenrt cos they r
What are the two main plastics?
thermosettings and thermoplastics. A thermoplastic can be remelted and reused, a thermoset cannot.
When do you need thermoplastics?
Thermoplastics are polymers that can be molded above a certain temperature. They are needed to manufacture such plastics as acrylic, nylon and polystyrene.
What two families of plastic are there?
thermoplastic plastics (recyclable)thermosetting plastics (non-recyclable)
Is there any subgroups of polymers?
Yes, polymers can be broadly categorized into natural and synthetic polymers. Synthetic polymers can further be classified based on their chemical structure and properties, such as thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, and fibers. These classifications help in understanding the different characteristics and applications of polymers.
Are there different types of platic molding, and if so, what type is the strongest?
Plastics are available in two basic types: thermosets and thermoplastics. Thermoplastics are meltable, but thermosets are not. This is due to the types of polymers in the plastic. Because a thermoset type of plastic consists of three-dimensional chains of polymers they are stronger than a one-dimensional thermoplastic.
Synthetic polymers that can be molded and shaped?
Thermoplastics are synthetic polymers that can be molded and shaped through the application of heat. Examples include polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. These materials can be melted and reshaped multiple times, making them versatile for various applications.
What do the big six polymers have in common?
The big six polymers (polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, and poly(methyl methacrylate)) are all synthetic polymers derived from petrochemicals. They have a wide range of applications due to their versatility, durability, and low cost. Additionally, they are all thermoplastic polymers, meaning they can be melted and reshaped multiple times.
Classification of conducting polymers?
polymers are classified into 5 types as follows: A))based on synthesis: 1)addition polymers 2)condensation polymers B))based on inter molecular forces: 1)fibers 2)elastromers 3)thermoplastics 4)thermosettings C))from source 1)natural polymers 2)synthetic polymers D))based on material 1)organic polymer 2)inorganic polymer E))based on structure 1)linear polymer 2)branched polymer 3)cross linked polymer F))based on the monomer 1)homo polymer 2)hetero polymer
What are thermosettings and therosoftening polymers?
Polymers are plastic. Thermosoftening is hard when it is cold and flexible when it is warm. Thermosetting is flexible when cold and hard when hotThermosetting plastics are polymers that, once heated, melted and moulded, cannot be re-moulded as the bond between their molecules are too strong. Thermosoftening plastics are polymers which can be re-moulded many times as the bonds between the molecules are very weak. Thermosetting plastics can only be shaped once. Thermosoftening plastics can be shaped and re-shaped many times. :) hope this is helpful x
What are the basic properties of thermoplastic and thermosetting?
Thermoplastics can be resoftened and remoulded several times,thermosetting can be heated and moulded only once into an irriversible shape.=)
What would be a good question foe comparing polymers?
A good question for comparing polymers could be: "How do the physical properties, such as tensile strength and elasticity, of different types of polymers (e.g., thermoplastics vs. thermosetting plastics) influence their suitability for specific applications?" This question encourages exploration of the structural differences and performance characteristics that determine the best use of each polymer type in various industries.
