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Plastics
A synthetic material made from a wide range of organic polymers such as polyethylene,
PVC, nylon, etc., that can be moulded into required shapes
Classification
Plastics are classified into two categories as thermoplastics and thermosets.
Thermoplastics
Thermoplastics soften when heated. Thermoplastics are the plastics that do not undergo chemical
change in their composition when heated and can be moulded again and again.
Thermoplastics include
i. Acrylic
It is also called plastic glass. It is more transparent than even glass. It is tough and strong and
does not shatter under impact. It cracks before breaking, it is unaffected by light acids and
moisture. Its compressive strength is 1600 to 2400kg/cm2 and the tensile strength is 450kg/cm2 to
700kg/cm2
ii. Cellulose acetate
Cellulose Acetate is a natural plastic, which is manufactured from purified natural cellulose.
Properties
iv. Polyethylene
Also known as polythene, is made of polymerization of ethylene. Two varieties of polythene are
made, high density and low density.
Polyethylene has an excellent resistance to most solvents and chemicals and is tough and flexible
over a wide temperature range.
Uses:
The principal uses of polythene are for electrical insulation, domestic kitchenware, and thin film
and sheet for packaging.
v. Polystyrene
Polystyrene are produced by the addition and polymerization of styrene. It is a transparent and
brittle material.
At ordinary temperature it is in glass condition. It is an excellent electrical insulator. It can be
easily expanded into rigid foam. The major uses of polystyrene are in electrical equipment,
refrigerator parts, CD and DVD cases and food containers.
Thermosets
The property of material becoming permanently hard and rigid after cooling when heated above
the melting temperature is called thermosets. The solidification process of plastics is known as
curing. The transformation from the liquid state to the solid state is irreversible process, further
heating of thermosets result only in the chemical decomposition. It means that the thermosets
can’t be recycled. During curing, the small molecules are chemically linked together to form
complex inter-connected network structures (figure 2). This cross-linking prevents the slippage
of individual chains. Therefore, the mechanical properties (tensile strength, compressive
strength, and hardness) are not temperature dependent, as compared to thermoplastics. Hence,
thermosets are generally stronger than the thermoplastics.
Figue2 Molecular structure of thermosets
The joining of thermosets by thermal processes like ultrasonic welding, laser welding, and gas
welding is not possible, but mechanical fastening and adhesive bonding may be used for low
strength applications.
The different types of thermosets are Alkyds, Allylics, Amine, Bakelite, Epoxy, Phenolic (PF),
Polyester, Silicone, Polyurethane (PUR), and Vinyl Ester.
Applications
Thermosets are commonly used for high temperature applications. Some of the common
products are electrical equipments, motor brush holders, printed circuit boards, circuit breakers,
encapsulation, kitchen utensils, handles and knobs, and spectacle lenses.
Difference between thermoplastics and thermo sets
S.NO thermoplastics THERMOSETTING PLASTICS
01 Formed by addition Polymn. Formed by condensation Polymn.
02 Long chain linear polymers Three dimensional network
structure joined by strong covalent
bonds
03 Soften on heating and stiffen on Do not soften on heating
cooling
04 Can be remoulded Cannot be remoulded
05 Usually soft, weak & less brittle Usually hard, strong & more brittle
06 Can be reclaimed from wastes Cannot be reclaimed from wastes
Soluble inSoluble in organic solvents Insoluble in organic solvents
organic solvents