Although any of us could perfectly define what a plastic is, and even give an example of this material, the truth is that there are rather few who can indicate what their internal classification is, distinguishing their classes and main characteristics. Let’s see what thermoplastic is .
Indeed, this time we want to stop at one of the most common types of plastics, thermoplastics, which differ from thermosets, and we are also going to mention several of their advantages, and which are the most prominent or common to which we have access on a day-to-day basis.
Thermoplastic: advantages
Basically, a thermoplastic is a plastic that, exposed to high temperatures, melts , thus allowing those who handle it to give it different hot shapes, which will remain defined once it cools down, facilitating its modeling as appropriate.
This very particular property of thermoplastics is one that is gaining more and more value, considering that we are gaining awareness about how important it is to recycle the products we use and – apparently – they have reached the end of their life.
While thermosetting elements keep their shape unchanged, these types can be used again, in various circumstances, and although their physical conditions diminish as time passes, at least they promise us a partial solution, lasting many years.
Today, thermoplastics are so in demand that many factories that were dedicated to thermosets have chosen to go to the former, which represent about 90% of the industry . As a result, there are more known ones, most of which you will have in your own home, such as polycarbonate, polyester, nylon, Teflon, PVC or polyvinyl chloride, etc.
Regarding its composition, the essential component is crude oil, while, to a lesser extent, they have carbon, oxygen and hydrogen, although there are some that also contain sulfur, silicon, phosphorus or nitrogen. It all depends on what type it is.
Today, thermoplastics are extremely popular as cable sheaths, but also as PVC pipes for plumbing, which somewhat gives us the idea of their absolute versatility, which they offer due to their temperature points to mold them.
And what about nylon? It is likely that some garment that you are wearing at this precise moment is made with that material. Even toothbrushes have nylon bristles!
