All plastics are categorized into either thermoplastics or thermosetting plastics.

Unlike thermoplastics,
thermosetting polymers form bonds that are not reversible during the curing process. As thermoset
plastics can withstand heat, they are used in the manufacture of the handles and lid knobs of cooking
pots and in electrical insulation. The items are hard, stiff and resist chemicals.

On the other hand, thermoplastics are used to manufacture kitchen equipment, such as cups, jugs,
containers, bottles and plastic spoons. In addition, they make simple home tools and implements, such as
piping, wash basins, combs and toys. Thermoplastics can be further categorized into nylon, acrylic,
polypropylene, polystyrene, low-density polythene and high-density polythene. The six categories of
plastics have different properties of color, degree of malleability and weight.

Similarly, thermoset plastics can be categorized into different types: epoxy resin, melamine formaldehyde,
polyester resin and urea formaldehyde. These categories of thermosetting plastics have varying degrees
of stiffness, textures and levels of resistance to chemicals.

Features

Thermoplastics are the only type of plastic that can be welded. When heated to about 120 to 180
degrees Celsius, thermoplastics become pasty or liquid, and they can be molded and formed into
different shapes. Each type of thermoplastic has its own properties, characteristics and welding
temperature. They can withstand multiple heating and re-shaping, which makes them recyclable.
Once the thermoplastic object has cooled down, the new form is set.

Types

Types of thermoplastics include polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polystyrene (PS),
which often are used for packaging. Other groups of thermoplastics are acrylics, fluoropolymers,
polyesters, polyimides and nylons. All of these types can be melted down many times and re-
shaped into different forms. For example, a foam cup is a thermoplastic material that can be
heated and turned into a dish.

Properties

Nylon is a thermoplastic that resists abrasion and is self-lubricating. Often it is used to make
ropes, fishing line and zippers. Acrylics are used to make goggles, windows and lenses because
of their impact strength and transparency. Polyethylene is very strong and tends to resist impact,
and so it is used to make buckets and toys. PVC is a very inexpensive plastic, commonly seen in
floor tiles, hose pipes and cable coatings.

Benefits

Thermoplastics are often used in place of metal, due to their strength, rigidity and impact
resistance, along with their lightweight quality. Certain flame-retardant substances can be added
to thermoplastics to make them fit the safety requirements in constructing aircraft and rail cars.
When combined with materials such as glass or carbon, thermoplastics become even more
dependable and typically have higher melt points than metal.

Potential
 Thermoplastics can be modified by the addition of other properties. Adding fibers makes
thermoplastics stronger and stiffer, while adding plasticizers make them more flexible. The use of
lubricants makes thermoplastics easier to mold, while anti-oxidants make them more stable under
higher temperatures and ultra-violet stabilizers give them sunlight resistance. Every time a
thermoplastic is changed, it takes on different properties, creating a substance that can be used
for a wide variety of purposes.

Thermoplastics: Thermoplastics are recyclable materials that are used frequently today to create objects
such as foam cups, polyethylene squeeze bottles, acrylic lenses and safety helmets. Their unique
properties set them apart from the other two types of plastic, thermosets and elastomers. Heat and
pressure cause the molecular structure of a thermoplastic to change, making it pliable and more useful.
Materials used

ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)

UPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride)

CPVC (post chlorinated polyvinyl chloride)

 PB-1 (polybutylene)

PP (polypropylene)

PE (polyethylene) also known as LDPE and HDPE (low and high density)

PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride)

PVC (polyvinyl chloride)

PE RT

Thermosetting Plastics: Thermoset Plastic Pipe

Thermosetting resins give off heat during the curing process (exothermic). Such resins cannot be melted
and reformed as thermoplastics can. Epoxy, polyester, and phenolic resins are part of the thermosetting
resin family. Pipes made from such resins are usually fiber-reinforced, and the fiber is normally E-type
glass. The glass may be continuous strands or rovings placed in a winding process, or it may be chopped
and placed in a centrifugal casting process. Glass fabric and glass mats may also be used.

There are two broad classes of reinforced thermoset pipes: (1) reinforced plastic mortar (RPM) pipe and
(2) reinforced thermosetting resin (RTR) pipe. This type has been referred to as fiberglass-reinforced
plastic (FRP) pipe. The thermoset resin used in either may be filled or unfilled. The filler in the resin is
used as a resin extender and will usually influence the chemical and physical properties.

Reinforced thermoset plastic pipe is available in a wide range of sizes. Because of the high tensile
strength of the reinforced plastic, a smooth-wall pipe may have low pipe stiffness, especially in large
diameters. To overcome this, some pipes are made stiffer by molding external ribs which run
circumferentially and are spaced along the length. The pipe stiffness is determined with the assumption
that the pipe wall and wall stiffeners act integrally as a unit. Such pipes are often designed and
manufactured for the specific job with different designs along the installation in response to varying
conditions.

Thermoplastics are recyclable materials that are used frequently today to create objects such as foam
cups, polyethylene squeeze bottles, acrylic lenses and safety helmets. Their unique properties set them
apart from the other two types of plastic, thermosets and elastomers. Heat and pressure cause the
molecular structure of a thermoplastic to change, making it pliable and more useful.
Thermoset Vs. Thermoplastics

Though thermoset plastics and thermoplastics sound similar, they have very different properties and
applications. Understanding the performance differences can help you make better sourcing decisions
and improve your product designs.

The primary physical difference is that thermoplastics can be remelted back into a liquid, whereas
thermoset plastics always remain in a permanent solid state. Think of thermoplastics as butter butter
can be melted and cooled multiple times to form various shapes. Thermoset is similar to bread in that
once the final state is achieved, any additional heat would lead to charring.
Thermoset
Thermoplastics

Thermoset Curing Process

Thermoset plastics contain polymers that cross-link together during the curing process to form an
irreversible chemical bond. The cross-linking process eliminates the risk of the product remelting when
heat is applied, making thermosets ideal for high-heat applications such as electronics and appliances.

Features & Benefits

Thermoset plastics significantly improve the materials mechanical properties, providing enhances
chemical resistance, heat resistance and structural integrity. Thermoset plastics are often used for sealed
products due to their resistance to deformation.
Pros

More resistant to high temperatures than thermoplastics

Highly flexible design

Thick to thin wall capabilities

Excellent aesthetic appearance

High levels of dimensional stability

Cost-effective

Cons

Cannot be recycled
More difficult to surface finish

Cannot be remolded or reshaped

Thermoplastics Curing Process

Thermoplastics pellets soften when heated and become more fluid as additional heat is applied. The
curing process is completely reversible as no chemical bonding takes place. This characteristic allows
thermoplastics to be remolded and recycled without negatively affecting the materials physical properties.

Features & Benefits

There are multiple thermoplastic resins that offer various performance benefits, but most materials
commonly offer high strength, shrink-resistance and easy bendability. Depending on the resin,
thermoplastics can serve low-stress applications such as plastic bags or high-stress mechanical parts.

Pros

Highly recyclable
Aesthetically-superior finishes

High-impact resistance

Remolding/reshaping capabilities

Chemical resistant

Hard crystalline or rubbery surface options

Eco-friendly manufacturing

Cons

Generally more expensive than thermoset

Can melt if heated