Plastics are synthetic or semi-synthetic materials made from polymers, which are long chains of repeating molecular units. They are versatile, lightweight, and can be molded into various shapes, making them widely used in packaging, construction, electronics, and many other industries.

Thermoplastics are a type of plastic that becomes pliable or moldable upon heating and solidifies upon cooling. They can be reheated and reshaped multiple times without significant chemical change. This property makes them ideal for recycling. Common examples of thermoplastics include:

1. Polyethylene (PE): Used in plastic bags and bottles.
2.Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Used in pipes, wiring, and flooring.

On the other hand, thermosetting plastics are those that undergo a chemical change when heated, resulting in a hard and inflexible structure. Once set, they cannot be remolded or reheated, making them durable and resistant to deformation. Examples of thermosetting plastics include:

1. Epoxy Resin: Commonly used in adhesives, coatings, and composite materials.
2.Bakelite: Used in electrical insulators, kitchenware, and industrial applications.

The primary distinction lies in their thermal behavior: thermoplastics can be reprocessed, while thermosetting plastics are permanently fixed after the initial setting. This fundamental difference influences their applications and recycling potential, with thermoplastics being more versatile and thermosetting plastics being more stable and durable in high-temperature environments.