Thermoplastic
A thermoplastic is a type of polymer that becomes pliable or moldable at a certain elevated temperature and solidifies upon cooling. Most thermoplastics have a high molecular weight and their polymer chains associate by intermolecular forces, which weaken rapidly with increased temperature, yielding a viscous liquid. This state allows thermoplastics to be reshaped and processed using various techniques such as injection molding, compression molding, calendering, and extrusion. Unlike thermosetting polymers, which form irreversible chemical bonds during the curing process, thermoplastics can undergo multiple heating and cooling cycles, allowing for reprocessing and recycling. Some common types of thermoplastics include polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polycarbonate. Thermoplastics are used in a wide range of applications, from everyday items to 3D printing and medical devices, and are 100% recyclable through mechanical and chemical recycling.
