Polymers (Greek poly meaning many ; mers meaning units or parts ) are molecules with high molecular masses . Here are the differences between two types of polymers namely Thermoplastic polymers and Thermosetting polymers : .
| Thermoplastic Polymers | Thermosetting Polymers |
|---|---|
| They are formed by the addition polymerization reaction . | They are formed by condensation polymerization. |
| They consists of long-chain linear polymers with negligible cross-links . | They have three-dimensional network structure . |
| They soften on heating readily , because secondary forces between the individual chain can break easily by heat or pressure or both . | They cross links and bonds retain their strength on heating and hence , they do not soften on heating . On prolonged heating , however , charring of polymers is caused . |
| By reheating to a suitable temperature they can be softened , reshaped and thus reused . | They retain their shape and structure even on heating . Hence , they cannot be reshaped and reused . |
| They are usually soft , weak , and less brittle . | They are usually hard , strong and more brittle . |
| These can be reclaimed from wastes . | These cannot be reclaimed from wastes. |
| These are usually soluble in organic solvents. | These are usually insoluble in almost all organic solvents due to strong bonds and crosslinks structure. |