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Thermoplastics vs. Thermosets Explained

The document describes two main types of polymers: 1. Thermoplastics, which have molecular chains held together by weak intermolecular forces that allow the material to be remelted and remolded. Thermoplastics do not form cross-links between chains. 2. Thermosets, which form strong covalent bonds during curing that prevent the material from melting when reheated. Thermosets maintain their shape and cannot be remolded.

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Nazratul Najwa
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26 views4 pages

Thermoplastics vs. Thermosets Explained

The document describes two main types of polymers: 1. Thermoplastics, which have molecular chains held together by weak intermolecular forces that allow the material to be remelted and remolded. Thermoplastics do not form cross-links between chains. 2. Thermosets, which form strong covalent bonds during curing that prevent the material from melting when reheated. Thermosets maintain their shape and cannot be remolded.

Uploaded by

Nazratul Najwa
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

DAILY POLYMERS CLASSIFICATION

Thermoplastic

• Also known as THERMOSOFTENING polymer


• Most thermoplastics have a high molecular weight.
• The molecules chains associate through intermolecular forces
• Permits to be remolded because the intermolecular interactions increase upon cooling and restore the
bulk properties.
• No cross links between chains.
• Weak attractive forces between chains broken by warming.
• Change shape - can be remoulded.
• Weak forces reform in new shape when cold and material hardens.
Thermoset

• Thermosetting polymers, form irreversible chemical bonds during the curing process.
• Thermosets often do not melt, but break down and do not reform upon cooling.
• Extensive cross-linking formed by covalent bonds.
• Bonds prevent chains moving relative to each other.
• What will the properties of this type of plastic be like?

• ALSO KNOWN AS ADHESIVE


GLUE or ‘GAM GAJAH’
• Casting/encapsulation of
electronic components
• Potting of electronic components

Polyester is an adequate adhesive


but not as good as epoxy.
(the tensile strength of a polyester
bond will be around 20 percent
weaker than the same bond made
with epoxy)
WHY – Thermoplastic & Thermoset behave that way??

Thermopalstic Thermoset

• What happened when temperature is apply (HEATED) & when cooling down (COOLED)??
• Most polymers are semi-crystalline (combination of crystalline & amorphous regions)
• When temperature is applied, some polymers will become rubbery/viscoelastic due movement of
polymer chains
• When cooled, the polymer chains stop moving
• Which polymer class shows this behavior most?? ==== THERMOPLASTIC
• The temperature where polymers become rubbery/viscoelastic = glass transition temperature, Tg
• The temperature where polymers melt/degrades = melting point, Tm
• Shown in thermal diagram.
TRY AND PLOT THE THERMAL DIAGRAM

EXAMPLE 1

Linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE)

Tg = -125°C , Tm = 137°C

EXAMPLE 2

POLYSTYRENE
Tg = 100°C , Tm = 240°C

(polystyrene is a rigid, glassy solid at room


temp.)

What will happen if hot coffee (90-100°C)


is poured inside the cup??

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