What are thermoplastics?
Thermoplastics – also called thermosoftening plastics or thermoplastic polymers – are plastics which become malleable at specific temperatures, and then solidify when they cool down. This makes them the perfect material for plastic injection moulding. This blog will give you 10 examples of thermosetting plastics, and their various uses.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadene Styrene)
First on our list of thermoplastics is APS. APS is a very lightweight thermoplastic which individuals use most famously to make Lego bricks! Other examples of its uses include in making musical instruments and safety hats.
Acrylic
Similarly to ABS, acrylic is a very lightweight thermoplastic, and is also transparent. Its other names include Plexiglas, Perspex, and Lucite. Perhaps the biggest benefit of using acrylic is that it is shatterproof, which makes it a great alternative to using glass!
Polyester
You can find polyester in many items that you use on a daily basis, such as in your clothes, mouse pads and furniture. Polyester is also a very common material in industry. It can be found in conveyor belts, in ropes, in fibres, and in tyre reinforcements.
Polypropylene
The benefit of using polypropylene – also known as polypropene – is that it is resistant to many chemical solvents, acids and bases. This makes it suitable for a variety of applications. Examples include: in packaging and labelling, in textiles, in stationery, in laboratory equipment, in loudspeakers, and in banknotes!
Polystyrene
Polystyrene is perhaps the most well-known of thermosetting plastics, as it – like polyester – is used in a variety of household objects. The most obvious of these objects include disposable cutlery and cups, but polystyrene can also be found in CD and DVD cases, smoke detector housing and insulation.
Cellulose acetate
Cellulose acetate is a natural plastic which is made using purified natural cellulose. Although it may not be as well-known a name as acrylic or polyester, it is a very common thermoplastic. Individuals would use it in photograph paper, to make eyeglasses frames, and in the manufacturing of cigarette filters and playing cards.
Teflon
If you enjoy cooking (or have ever had to cook), then you will have encountered Teflon. This is because it makes up the non-stick coating of saucepans, frying pans and other kitchenware. This lubricative quality makes it perfect for reducing friction and wear, as well as energy consumption in machinery.
Nylon
Nylon is another example of thermoplastic polymers. Nylon looks and feels similar to silk. However, unlike silk, it is not a natural fibre: instead, it is made out of petroleum. This thermoplastic can be found in carpets, ropes, musical strings and bridal veils, as well as items of clothing such as dresses (especially those from the mid-twentieth century).
Polybenzimidazole
Polybenzimidazole – shortened to PBI – is a unique and high-performing example of a thermosetting plastic. It has outstanding thermal stability and is one of the best performing engineering plastics on the market. It is also resistant to many chemical compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide and alcohol. However, it is very difficult to manufacture and thus it is very expensive. We often use PBI sheets and rods in fields like aerospace engineering, automotive engineering and in glass!
Polyvinyl chloride
Our final example of a thermosetting plastic is polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. PVC is the world’s third-most widely produced synthetic polymer of plastic. Largely due to its versatile nature. It is also a very durable and long lasting material, and comes in two different types: rigid or flexible. The rigid form is used often in construction to make pipes and profile applications. However it is also useful in making plastic bottles, packaging and plastic cards. Individuals use the flexible version in plumbing, electrical cable insulation, flooring and a variety of applications where they use it as an alternative to rubber.
Try Stephens Plastics for your plastic needs today!
Here at Stephens Plastics we are proud to offer a wide range of thermoplastic polymers which are perfect for injection mouldings. The above list is a great collection of 10 examples of the types of thermosetting plastics we offer and we hope that it will assist you in choosing the perfect material for your specific needs. If you need any further assistance or advice, our website has lots more information about this topic. Alternatively, you can contact us via email, telephone or post for more detailed guidance.
If you found this blog useful, take a look at a previous one: LDPE Vs HDPE Thermoplastics: Key Similarities And Differences