Question

Differentiate between molecular structure and behavior of thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic. Give one example of each type.

Answer 1

Thermoplastic polymers	Thermosetting polymers
These polymers soften and melt on heating.	These polymers do not soften on heating but rather becomes hard. On prolonged heating, these start burning.
These polymers can be remoulded, recast and reshaped.	These polymers cannot be remoulded or reshaped
They are less brittle and soluble in same organic solvents.	They are move brittle and insoluble in organic solvents.
These polymers, usually have linear structures.	These polymers have three dimensional cross linked structures.
eg: Polyethylene, PVC, Teflon, Nylon etc.	eg: Bakelite, urea formaldehyde, resin, terelene etc.