What are the various types of plastics? Give two examples of each type of plastics.

Answer

Depending on physical properties, plastics are divided into two types: Thermoplastic and thermosetting.

1. Thermoplastic: Plastics that can be deformed easily upon heating and can be bent Linear polymers and a combination of linear and cross-linked polymers come under thermoplastics. Example: PVC, nylon, polythene, etc.
2. 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, Bakelite is used for making electrical switches whereas melamine is used for floor tiles.