Question

Explain difference between the thermoplastic and thermosetting plastics.

Answer 1

Hint: Thermoplastic are linear or slightly branched chain polymers that are capable of hardening on cooling and softening on heating. Thermosetting plastics are heavily branched, that on heating undergo cross-linking and again become infusible, these cannot be reshaped.

Complete answer:
- Let’s see the difference between the thermoplastic and thermosetting plastics:

THERMOSETTING PLASTIC	THERMOPLASTIC
1.These are having high molecular weight.	1. These are having low molecular weight.
2. Thermosetting plastic are brittle in nature	2. These are flexible nature.
3.Thermosetting plastics have tensile strength and high melting points .	3.Thermoplastics have low tensile strength and low melting points.
4.Thermosetting plastics are synthesized by the process of condensation polymerization.	4.Thermoplastic are synthesized by the process called as addition polymerization
5. A primary bond is present between the molecular chains in the thermosetting plastic,	5., A secondary bond is present between the molecular chains in the thermoplastics
6.It is found that the bonding between the intermolecular chains is strong,	6. It is found that the bonding between the intermolecular chains is weak
7.They are not capable of dissolving in the solvents that are organic.	7.They are capable of dissolving in the organic solvents.
8..They are more durable.	8.They are less durable.
9. They are not easy to recycle, as they are hard and not flexible.	9.These can be easily recycled.
10.They have low cost and therefore are economical	10. They are less economical, due to the slightly higher cost than the thermosetting plastic
11. Thermally, thermosetting plastics are more stable than thermoplastics	11. Thermally, thermoplastics are more stable than thermosetting plastics

- There are several examples of the thermoplastic and thermosetting plastics:
- Thermoplastic are: Polystyrene, Teflon, Acrylic, Nylon
- Thermosetting plastic include: Vulcanized rubber, Bakelite, Polyurethane, Epoxy resin, Vinyl ester resin.

Note: - We should be careful while working with Thermoplastics. It is found that these are more hazardous because toxic fumes are released, like styrene during the molding process.