GuangDong Advanced Thermoplastic Polymer Technology Co., Ltd.
GuangDong Advanced Thermoplastic Polymer Technology Co., Ltd.
News
Check out the latest ATP Polymer news and videos

The Difference Between Thermoplastics and Thermosetting Plastics

Ⅰ. What are thermoplastics?


Thermoplastics can be further divided into three categories: general-purpose plastics, general-purpose engineering plastics, and high-performance engineering plastics.


Specific performance:


1. Good elasticity and compression deformation resistance, environmental resistance and aging resistance are equivalent to EPDM rubber, and its oil resistance and solvent resistance are comparable to general-purpose neoprene rubber.


2. Wide application temperature range (-60~150℃), wide application range of softness and hardness (25A~54D), and the advantage of easy dyeing greatly improves the freedom of product design.


3. Excellent processing performance: It can be processed by injection, extrusion and other thermoplastic processing methods, which is efficient, simple and easy, without additional equipment, high fluidity and small shrinkage.


4. Green and environmental protection, recyclable, and repeated use for six times without significant performance degradation, in line with EU environmental protection requirements.


5. Light specific gravity (0.90~0.97), uniform appearance quality, high surface grade and good hand feeling.


Ⅱ. The difference between thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics


1. Thermoplastics


It becomes soft and fluid when heated, and hardens when cooled. This process is reversible and can be repeated. Such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyoxymethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide, acrylic plastics, other polyolefins and their copolymers, polysulfone, polyphenylene ether, chlorinated polyether, etc. are thermoplastics.


The resin molecular chains in thermoplastics are all linear or branched structures. There is no chemical bond between the molecular chains. It softens and flows when heated, and the process of cooling and hardening is a physical change.


2. Thermosetting plastics


When it is heated for the first time, it can soften and flow. When it is heated to a certain temperature, a chemical reaction occurs to cross-link and solidify to harden. This change is irreversible. After that, when it is heated again, it can no longer become soft and flow.


It is by virtue of this characteristic that the molding process is carried out, and the plasticized flow during the first heating is used to fill the cavity under pressure, and then solidify into a product of a determined shape and size. This material is called a thermoset.


The resin of thermosetting plastics is linear or branched before curing. After curing, chemical bonds are formed between molecular chains to form a three-dimensional network structure. Not only can it not be melted again, but it cannot be dissolved in solvents. Phenolic, urea-formaldehyde, melamine-formaldehyde, epoxy, unsaturated polyester, silicone and other plastics are all thermosetting plastics.


It is mainly used for heat insulation, wear resistance, insulation, high voltage resistance and other plastics used in harsh environments. Most of them are thermosetting plastics. The most commonly used ones should be wok handles and high and low voltage electrical appliances.

The Difference Between Thermoplastics and Thermosetting Plastics

ATP Polymer News Recommendation

19 Sep, 2023
Revolutionizing New Energy: Unleashing the Potential of Cross Linked Polyethylene Xlpe
The pursuit of cleaner, more efficient energy sources has given rise to groundbreaking innovations that shape the future of power generation, distribution, and consumption. One such innovation is Cros...
12 Sep, 2023
Unveiling the Power of Cross-Linked Polyethylene Xlpe in New Energy Applications
In the realm of new energy technologies, innovation takes center stage as we strive for cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable power solutions. Among the transformative materials driving this evolut...
05 Sep, 2023
Empowering New Energy Technologies With XLPE Material: a Technological Breakthrough
In the dynamic realm of new energy technologies, every innovation matters. One such innovation that's redefining the landscape is the use of Cross-linked Polyethylene (XLPE) material. From solar p...
29 Aug, 2023
Powering the Future: Unleashing the Potential of XLPE Material in New Energy Applications
In the dynamic landscape of new energy technologies, innovation in materials plays a pivotal role in shaping the way we generate, distribute, and utilize power. Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) materi...