What are plastics?

Plastic is also a polymer like synthetic fibre which can be moulded into desired shape when soft and then hardened to produce a durable article

It is used to make many daily use articles like chairs,buckets,toys

Polythene is also an example of plastic which is used to make polythene bags

Different Types of Plastic Arrangements

Some Plastics are linear arrangement,these are called thermoplastics

While others are cross linked arrangements,these are called thermosetting plastics

Different Types of Plastics

Plastics are of two types

Thermoplastics

Those plastics which are deformed on heating and can be reformed into different shapes again are called Thermoplastics

Hence,Thermoplastics can be moulded repeatedly

Example

Polythene, PVC(Polyvinyl Chloride)

Thermosetting Plastics

Those plastics whch can be moulded only once and do not change shape on heating are called Theromosetting Plastics

They can be moulded only once

Later,they cannot be softened by heating

Example

Melamine resists fire and can tolerate heat better than other plastics. It is used to make microwave safe utensils, firemen clothes

Bakelite is a poor conductor of heat and electricity - It is used to make switches,handles of various cooking utensils

Questions

NCERT Question 6 - Explain the difference between the thermoplastic and thermosetting plastics

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NCERT Question 7 - Explain why the following are made of thermosetting plastics.
(a) Saucepan handles
(b) Electric plugs/switches/plug boards

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