Polymers

Polymers are plastics and they fall into two main groups. These groups are thermo and thermosetting plastics.

Thermo plastics can be made malleable (bendy) at high temperatures of between 65 degrees C and 200 degrees C. In this state they can be moulded in different ways for various uses. For example, toys, car dash boards, plastic water bottles and packaging can be made. These thermo plastics can be re-heated and re-moulded.

Thermoset plastics are not re-mouldable if reheated like thermo plastics are. This is because the molecules of thermoset plastics are cross linked in three dimensions. Thermoset plastic is not recyclable either. There is a strong bond between the molecules.They have a stable structure, are more brittle and are used for stronger things such as electrical fittings, handles and knobs. An example of a thermoset plastic is an electrical plug or socket.