Difference between Thermoplastic and Thermosetting Polymers

Examples of  Thermosetting Polymers: Bakelite 
Examples of Thermoplastic  Polymers: PVC, and nylon

Comparison between Thermoplastic and Thermosetting Polymers

a)     Thermoplastic polymers:

·        These are the polymers which soften on heating and stiffen on cooling.

·        Examples of such polymers are polyethylene, PVC, and nylon.

·        The intermolecular forces in thermoplastic polymers are intermediate to those of elastomers and fibers.

 

b)    Thermosetting polymers:

·        These are the polymers which on heating undergo chemical change and convert themselves into an infusible and insoluble mass.

·        These polymers are normally made from semi fluid polymers with low molecular masses by heating in a mold.

·        Bakelite is the common example of thermosetting polymer. The thermosetting material undergoes a permanent change upon melting and sets to a solid which not be remelted this may be attributed to excessive cross linking between the chains forming three-dimensional network of bonds.