Difference between Thermoplastic and Thermosetting plastic

S.No.

Thermoplastic

Thermosetting plastic

1. 

Plastics which can be moulded into different shapes easily by heat are known as thermoplastics.  

Plastics which cannot be moulded into different shapes again after moulding once are known as thermosetting plastics. 

2.

It is generally synthesized by addition polymerization.

It is generally synthesized by condensation polymerization. 

3.

In thermoplastics such as polythene, polymer chains have no cross linking and generaly linear. 

In thermosetting plastics such as bakelite has cross links in polymer chains. 

4.

It has low melting point, brittleness and tensile strength than thermoplastics. 

It has higher melting point, brittleness and tensile strength than thermosetting plastics. 

5.

It has lower molecular weight than thermosetting plastics.

It has higher molecular weight than thermoplastic. 

6.

On applying high pressure, thermoplastics change their shape and become soft. 

On applying high pressure, thermosetting plastics generally break down.

7.

It is used in making plastic bottles, jars, combs etc. 

It is used in making electric switches, floor tiles, fire resistant fabrics, in vulcanization of rubber etc. 

8.

Polystyrene, Teflon, PVC, polythene are thermoplastics.

Bakelite, melamine are thermosetting plastics. 

9. 

Thermoplastics are generally recyclable. 

Thermosetting plastics are generally non-recyclable.