Thermoplastic

Thermoplastic is a type of polymer that becomes pliable or moldable at a certain elevated temperature and solidifies upon cooling. Most thermoplastics have a high molecular weight. The polymer chains associate by intermolecular forces, which weaken rapidly with increased temperature, yielding a viscous liquid. Thus, thermoplastics may be reshaped by heating and are typically used to produce parts by various polymer processing techniques such as injection molding, extrusion, and thermoforming.

Characteristics

Thermoplastics differ from thermosetting polymers in that they can be remelted and remolded, while thermosetting polymers can be molded once and retain their shape permanently. This property of thermoplastics makes them suitable for recycling.

Types of Thermoplastics

There are various types of thermoplastics, including:

• Polyethylene
• Polypropylene
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
• Polystyrene
• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
• Polyurethane
• Polycarbonate
• Acrylic
• Nylon
• Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)

Each type of thermoplastic has unique properties, making them suitable for different applications.

Applications

Thermoplastics are used in a wide range of applications due to their versatile properties. They are commonly used in packaging, automotive parts, medical devices, and consumer products.

See Also

• Plastic
• Polymer chemistry
• Polymer engineering
• Plastic recycling

Thermoplastic Resources
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