Thermoset vs Thermoplastic Torch Experiment

Polymers are either, (a) thermoplastics or (b) thermosets
(a) Thermosets:
Thermosets are thermally SET. They are liquid at room temperature before curing and after the curing process which can be through heat, radiation, pressure or cross linking, they become irreversibly hardened. The curing process is a chemical process which is not reversible, and the thermosets cannot return to their liquid stage ever. Thermosets have higher temperature resistance and undergo less thermal deformation when heated due to lower CTE (Coefficient of thermal expansion). Thermosets are used in application when higher temperature resistance is required such as electric sockets and plugs, cooking, automobile industry, etc.

(b) Thermoplastics:
On the otherhand, thermoplastics melt if they are heated, and solidify if they are cooled down. They go through a phyical process which is reversible, therefore, thermoplastics like PP(Polypropylene), PE (Polyethylene ) are easily recyclable. The physical process is referred to as thermoforming.

In the video, I burn thermoplastics such as water bottle, gatrade bottle, medicine bottle which are made of Polypropylene. Then I move to thermosets such as electric plug ( melamine formaldehyde) and plastic spatula (silicone). Silicone is an elastomer. Elastomers can be thermoplastics as well, but silicone is thermoset and can withstand higher temperature.

[timeless]

your video is extremely helpful. Thank you very much!

[blaydv]

Thanks for the video, I was looking for something like this!