Definitions

I am going to give you definitions of thermo and thermosetting plastics.

Firstly, I would like to start off with thermoplastics. Thermoplastics can be reheated and shaped in various ways. They usually become mouldable after reheating. The bond between the molecules is weak and become weaker when they are reheated, allowing them to reshape. Thermoplastics tend to be composed of 'long chain monomers'. These types of plastics can be recycled.

Secondly, Thermosetting plastics. Thermosetting plastics are that once their set these plastics cannot be reheated, soften, shaped and mould. The molecules of this plastics are cross linked in three dimensions and this is why they cannot be reshaped or recycled. The bond between the molecules is very strong.

Some examples of thermoplastics are:

. acrylic
. Polythene
. Polyvinyl chloride (tough material)
. polyethylene (grocery bags, shampoo bottles, plastic bottles and children's toys)
. polycarbonate (means it can be shaped and formed through a number manufacturing processes.

Examples of thermosetting plastics:

. adhesives (glues)
.  Polyurethane (This forms the basis of many paints and varnishes because it is very tough and has
   water resistant qualities)
. Urea Formaldehyde (UF): (Urea Formaldehyde has physical properties of high hardness and high                                                       toughness, making it suitable for strong, knock-resistant electrical fittings.)
. Polyester resins