Thermosetting Plastics (Thermoplastic Vs Thermosetting Plastics)

Talking about the differences between thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic, well the main distinguishing factor between the two is that, thermoplastic materials typically have low melting points due to which they can further be remoulded or recycled easily.

On the other hand, thermosetting plastic is quite the opposite. They can withstand high temperatures and once hardened these cannot be reformed or recycled even with the application of heat. In any case, let’s have a look at some of the important differences between these two compounds below.

Thermoplastic

• Thermoplastic can be synthesized by the process called addition polymerization.
• Thermoplastic is processed by injection moulding, extrusion process, blow moulding, thermoforming process, and rotational moulding.
• Thermoplastics have secondary bonds between molecular chains.
• Thermoplastics have low melting points and low tensile strength.
• Thermoplastic is lower in molecular weight, compared to thermosetting plastic.

Thermosetting Plastic

• Thermosetting plastics are synthesized by condensation polymerization.
• Thermosetting Plastic is processed by compression moulding, reaction injection moulding.
• Thermosetting plastics have primary bonds between molecular chains and held together by strong cross-links.
• Thermosetting plastics have high melting points and tensile strength.
• Thermosetting Plastic is high in molecular weight.