Question

Differentiate between thermoplastic and thermosetting polymer. Given one example of each.

Answer 1

Hint: We know that the polymers are the mixture of several monomer units which are generally combined and form a huge structure that is polymer. The example of polymer is nylon, PVC, polythene, etc.

Complete answer:Let’s discuss the thermoplastic and thermosetting polymer in detail:

Thermoplastic Polymer	Thermosetting Polymer
a). The thermoplastic polymer is that which can easily be transformed or deform on heating.	a). The thermosetting polymer is that which cannot easily be transformed or deform on heating.
b). It becomes solid after cooling.	b). It does not become solid after cooling.
c). The thermoplastic polymer is generally used for making children toys and containers.	c). The thermosetting polymer is generally used for making switches, watches and utensils.
d). The thermoplastic polymer is usually formed or synthesized by addition polymerization reactions.	d). The thermosetting polymer is usually formed or synthesized by condensation polymerization reaction.
e). The thermoplastic polymers are lower in molecular weight.	e). The thermosetting polymers are higher in molecular weight.
f). The thermosetting polymer had high melting and tensile strength.	f). The thermosetting polymer had high melting and tensile strength.
g). They have a secondary bond between the polymer chains.	g). They have a primary bond between the polymer chains.
h) In this polymer the weak intermolecular forces of attraction intermediate between the elastomers and fibres.	h). They form cross linked and heavy branched molecules.
i) The few examples of thermoplastic polymers are polythene, Nylon, and PVC.	i). The few examples of thermosetting polymers are Bakelite and melamine.

Note:The process of making a polymer unit by several monomer units is termed as polymerization reaction. The classification of polymers based on the magnitude of intermolecular forces include fibers, elastomers, thermoplastic polymer and thermosetting polymer.The elastomer are those polymers in which polymer chain are bonded with weak intermolecular forces while the fibres are thread like structures solid with high tensile strength.