thermoplastics
Heat-softened synthetic materials
Thermoplastics are plastics that soften when heated and harden when cooled, a process that can be repeated without significant degradation.
This distinguishes them from thermosets, which permanently harden after initial molding.
Common thermoplastics include polyethylene, PVC, and nylon.
The property makes them easily recyclable and widely used in manufacturing: Most water bottles are made from thermoplastics.
Thermoplastic from ethylene gas
- polypropyleneVersatile thermoplastic resin
- polystyreneLightweight synthetic foam plastic
- PVCChlorinated plastic abbreviation
- polycarbonateStrong transparent synthetic polymer
ABS · nylon · PET · acrylic · polyurethane · HDPE · polyamide · TPE
Syringe-delivered dose
- extrusionPushing through a die
- thermoformingShaping softened plastic sheets
- moldingDecorative architectural edging
- weldingHeat-fusing metal pieces
fabricate · manufacture · prototype · cast · calendering
Capable of being remade
- reprocessingHandling material again
- reuseEmploy something again
- upcyclingImproving discarded materials' value
- downcyclingRecycling that lowers material value
reclaimable · circular · waste · landfill · recycling · repurpose · pelletizing · regrind
Solid-to-liquid transition
- softeningBecoming less firm
- crystallinityStructural atomic order degree
- annealingHeat-softening of metals
- viscosityFluid's flow resistance
temperature · conduction · enthalpy · recrystallization · cooling · solidification
polyethylene
Thermoplastic from ethylene gas
- polypropyleneVersatile thermoplastic resin
- polystyreneLightweight synthetic foam plastic
- PVCChlorinated plastic abbreviation
polycarbonate · ABS · nylon · PET · acrylic · polyurethane · HDPE · polyamide · TPE · acetate
injection
Syringe-delivered dose
- extrusionPushing through a die
- thermoformingShaping softened plastic sheets
- moldingDecorative architectural edging
welding · fabricate · manufacture · prototype · cast · calendering
recyclable
Capable of being remade
- reprocessingHandling material again
- reuseEmploy something again
- upcyclingImproving discarded materials' value
downcycling · reclaimable · circular · waste · landfill · recycling · repurpose · pelletizing · regrind · post-consumer
melting
Solid-to-liquid transition
- softeningBecoming less firm
- crystallinityStructural atomic order degree
- annealingHeat-softening of metals
viscosity · temperature · conduction · enthalpy · recrystallization · cooling · solidification
flexible
Able to bend freely
tensile · resilient · lightweight · durable · workable · formable · weldable · transparent
- materialsmetal, metals, wood, ceramic, fabric
- plasticsplastic, polymers, polymer, polyethylene, polypropylene
- flexible materialsrubber band, elastic, spandex, latex, silicone
- cosplaycosplayer, costume, props, wig, makeup
- aircraft materialsaluminum, titanium, composites, carbon fiber, fiberglass
- Macromoleculespolymer, polymers, protein, proteins, DNA
thermoplasticsnatural materials
Substances from nature unprocessed
biopolymers · cellulose · natural rubber · wood · metals