ScienceCLASS 8ICSE
answered 28 Mar 2026Explain the difference between thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics.
A.VERIFIED ANSWERfact-checked by tutors
Answer
Thermoplastic: Plastics that can be deformed easily upon heating and can be bent easily. Linear polymers and a combination of linear and cross-linked polymers come under thermoplastics. Example: PVC, nylon, polythene, etc.
Thermosetting: Plastics that cannot be softened again by heating once they are moulded. Heavily cross-linked polymers come under the category of thermosetting plastics. Example: Bakelite, melamine, etc. Bakelite is used for making electrical switches whereas melamine is used for floor tiles.