Ask a Scientist: What's the Difference Between Thermoplastics and Thermoset Plastics?

A scientist sits and talks. Caption: So when you heat it up, it melts.

What's the difference between thermoplastics and thermoset plastics? The primary physical difference is that thermoplastics can be remelted back into a liquid, whereas thermoset plastics always remain in a permanent solid state. Part of the "Ask a Scientist" series.

(Source: DCMP)

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Keywords:
chemistry, physics

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  • Ask a Scientist: What's the Difference Between Thermoplastics and Thermoset Plastics?

    Type:
    Video
    Format:
    Streaming
    Accommodations:
    English Audio Descriptions - Visual, English Captions - Auditory
    Languages:
    English
    License:
    DCMP Membership
    Author:
    National Science Foundation
    Length:
    1 minute