thermoplastic
Definition
Adjective:
- Having the property of becoming soft and moldable when heated and hardening again when cooled. This process is reversible and can typically be repeated many times without significant chemical degradation.
Noun:
- A substance or material, especially a synthetic polymer, that exhibits the property of softening when heated and hardening when cooled. Thermoplastics can be melted and reshaped multiple times.
Usage Examples
Adjective:
- Polyethylene is a thermoplastic polymer used to make plastic bags.
- The advantage of thermoplastic resin is its recyclability.
Noun:
- The bottle is made from a durable thermoplastic.
- Common thermoplastics include acrylic, nylon, and polypropylene.
Advanced Usage
- Engineering/Manufacturing Context: The term is frequently used to describe a major class of polymers in contrast to "thermosetting" plastics, which permanently harden after one heating cycle.
- Injection molding is a common process for shaping thermoplastics.
Variants and Related Words
- Thermoplasticity (noun): The property of being thermoplastic.
- The thermoplasticity of the material allows for easy remolding.
Synonyms
- Moldable plastic (when used as a noun, in a general descriptive sense).
- Reversible polymer (technical synonym emphasizing the reversible process).
Related Phrases/Compounds
- Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE): A class of copolymers that have both thermoplastic and elastomeric (rubber-like) properties.
- Shoe soles are often made from a thermoplastic elastomer.
- Thermoplastic composite: A material combining thermoplastic polymers with fibers (like glass or carbon) for added strength.
- The new aircraft panel uses a lightweight thermoplastic composite.
Adjective
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having the property of softening or fusing when heated and of hardening and becoming rigid again when cooled
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thermoplastic materials can be remelted and cooled time after time without undergoing any appreciable chemical change
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Noun
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a material that softens when heated and hardens again when cooled
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