What is Thermoplastic Plastic

2025-10-22

Thermoplastics refer to a category of plastics that become molten when heated, can be shaped in a mold upon cooling, and can be remelted and reshaped repeatedly upon reheating. This reversible process (liquid ⇄ solid) is a physical change, characterized by the material's ability to be dissolved in certain solvents and its melt-processable nature. Common thermoplastics include polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS), which are collectively known as the four general-purpose plastics. These materials typically have a continuous service temperature below 100°C. Thermoplastics exhibit excellent electrical insulation properties. Notably, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), PS, PE, and PP have very low dielectric constants and loss factors, making them ideal for high-frequency and high-voltage insulation applications. Although thermoplastics are easy to process and mold, they often have limited heat resistance and are prone to creep—deformation under sustained load—which can vary based on environmental conditions such as temperature, solvent exposure, and humidity.

PC/ABS

PPO

PA6/PA66

PCR

PC/ABS

PPO

PA6/PA66

PCR

What is Thermoplastic Plastic

What is Thermoplastic Plastic