Categories of Polymers
Design & Technology: AQA GCSE, topic 5.2.1
Categories of Polymers
Polymers are split into two categories: thermoforming polymers and thermosetting polymers.
Thermoforming polymers
- Thermoforming polymers can be recycled, reheated, and reshaped many times.
- This makes thermoforming polymers better for the environment.
- Any waste from manufacturing a product can be used again in making another product.
- The majority of everyday plastic products are made from a thermoforming polymer.
Thermosetting polymers
- Thermosetting polymers can only be heated and shaped once.
- This makes thermosetting polymers difficult to recycle.
- Thermosetting polymers are worse for the environment.
- Thermosetting polymers are very good thermal and electrical insulators.
- This makes thermosetting polymers ideal for plugs and plug sockets.