Thermoplastic and Thermosetting Polymers
Polymers can be classified, in terms of fusibility, into thermoplastics or thermosets (thermosets).
Thermoplastic polymers melt on heating and solidify on cooling, in a reversible process. They can also be dissolved in suitable solvents.
Examples: PET (from beverage bottles), PS (from disposable cups), LDPE (from plastic bags), PVC (from sewage pipes).
Thermosetting polymers, by heating or other treatment, assume a cross-linked, cross-linked structure, becoming infusible.
Examples: epoxy (from wind turbines), bakelite (from pot handles), and vulcanized rubber (from automotive tires).
Juliana Lucena, Dr. in Energy (UFPE), Production Engineer (USP), Professor at the Federal Network