Difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic

Difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic

The basic difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic depends on the behavior of the material at elevated temperatures.

Thermoplastic materials get melted at elevated temperature and can be reformed into a new shape while in the case of thermosetting plastic materials, the material gets melted during the first heating to form a permanent set and after that, it cannot be melted & can not be reformed.  

Difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic:

S.N.ThermoplasticsThermosetting plastic
1Thermoplastics can be reshaped again and again.Thermosetting plastic can not be reshaped.
2Thermoplastics have a lower melting point.Thermosetting plastic cannot melt after it permanently gets set.
3Thermoplastics can melt again and again.Thermosetting plastic cannot be melted again and again.
4Thermoplastics are flexible.Thermosetting plastic are brittle.
5Thermoplastics have lower tensile strength.Thermosetting plastic has higher tensile strength.
6Thermoplastics are softer.Thermosetting plastic are harder.
7Thermoplastics have a higher surface finish.It is difficult to obtain a surface finish in the case of thermosetting plastic.
8The Plasticity of thermoplastics increases with an increase in temperature.In the case of thermosetting plastic, plasticity does not change with a change In temperature.
9Thermoplastics are formed by addition polymerization.Thermosetting plastic are formed by condensation polymerization.
10There is no chemical change in thermoplastics while heating.Thermosetting plastic undergoes chemical change while first heating to form a permanent set.
11Thermoplastics are used in injection molding, Blow molding.Thermosetting plastics are used in compression molding.
12Thermoplastics cannot be used for fireproof applications.Thermosetting plastic can be used for fireproof applications.
13Thermoplastics can be recycledThermosetting plastic cannot be recycled.
14Examples of thermoplastics are Polyvinyl chloride, Nylon.Examples of thermosetting plastic are polyurethane.
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Pratik is a Graduated Mechanical engineer. He enjoys sharing the engineering knowledge learned by him with people.

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