Define the thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers. Give one example of each.

Explanation

Thermoplastics : Thermoplastics are the ones in which intermolecular forces of attraction are intermediate of these of elastomers and fibres. Process of heat softening, moulding and cooling can be repeated many times as desired without affecting mechanical properties of polymer.
e.g., Polythene, Polypropylene, PVC.
Thermosetting polymers : Thermosetting polymers are the ones which on heating change irreversibily into hard, rigid and infusible materials are called thermosetting polymers. Since three dimensional molecule structure is rigid and does not soften on heating e.g., Phenol-formaldehyde (bakelite) resins, melamine formaldehyde resins.