Plastics

Question 1

Were are plastics derived from?

Answer 1

Minerals, plants, natural gas, oil and coal

Question 2

What are the properties of a thermoplastic?

Answer 2

• Can be heated, allowing you to remould and reshape thermoplastics into new products
• The molecules in a thermoplastic are weakly bonded together
• Thermoplastics can be recycled

Question 3

What are the advantages of thermoplastics?

Answer 3

• Can be remoulded/reshaped
• Aesthetically superior finish
• Recyclable

Question 4

What are the disadvantages of thermoplastics?

Answer 4

• More expensive

- Can melt if accidentally heated

Question 5

What are the properties of thermosetting plastics?

Answer 5

• Can’t be reshaped once set
• The molecules in the plastic are strongly bonded together
• Can’t be recycled

Question 6

What are the advantages of thermosetting plastics?

Answer 6

• Cost effective
• Excellent physical appearance
• More resistant to high temperatures

Question 7

What are the disadvantages of thermosetting plastics?

Answer 7

• Can’t be recycled
• Can’t be reshaped/remoulded
• Hard to surface finish