4.A] Give the differences between thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics.
Answer:
| Thermoplastic | Thermosetting Plastic |
| Thermoplastic can be synthesized by the process called addition polymerization. | Thermosetting plastics are synthesized by condensation polymerization. |
| Thermoplastic is processed by injection moulding, extrusion process, blow moulding, thermoforming process, and rotational moulding. | Thermosetting Plastic is processed by compression moulding, reaction injection moulding. |
| Thermoplastics have secondary bonds between molecular chains. | Thermosetting plastics have primary bonds between molecular chains and held together by strong cross-links. |
| Thermoplastics have low melting points and low tensile strength. | Thermosetting plastics have high melting points and tensile strength. |
| Thermoplastic is lower in molecular weight, compared to thermosetting plastic. | Thermosetting Plastic is high in molecular weight. |