Question

PVC is an example of which kind of plastic?
A-Thermoplastic
B-Thermosetting
C-It is not a type of plastic
D-Both A and B

Answer 1

Hint: There are some plastic materials which can be softened and melted by heating and they set to the given shape when cooled. Such plastics are called thermoplastics.

Complete step by step answer:
Polymers which become softer on heating and harden when cooled are called thermoplastics. These can be heated again and again and moulded into desired shapes.
PVC or polyvinyl chloride obeys properties of a thermoplastic i.e. it melts on heating and hardens when cooled. It is the world's most widely used thermoplastic polymer. It has numerous applications, such as in construction, making bottles, food packaging, plumbing, electrical cable insulation and so on.
Hence, option A is correct.

Additional information: Polyvinyl chloride is formed by polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer. Chemical reaction for this is given as –

In many thermoplastics, fibres are added to enhance their properties. This improves physical properties like heat deflection temperature, wear and abrasion resistance. This process is also called reinforcement of thermoplastic. Following are some examples of such reinforced thermoplastics –

- Glass fibres are used in polyamide polymers to reduce the brittleness. This increases the tensile strength of the material three folds.

- Polycarbonate compounds that use 10% to 40% glass fibres have their physical properties greatly enhanced.

Note: Once heated, thermosetting plastics cannot be remoulded into other shapes. Whereas, thermoplastics can be moulded into different shapes again and again. This is the major difference between thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics.