Which of the following is an example of a thermoplastic?

Master the IGCSE Design and Technology Test. Experience comprehensive exam preparation with flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Equip yourself with confidence for the big day!

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of a thermoplastic?

Explanation:
The difference being tested is how materials respond to heat: thermoplastics soften when heated and can be reshaped many times, while thermosetting polymers cure to a rigid, crosslinked network and do not melt on reheating. Acrylic fits the thermoplastic behavior, so it can be heated, softened, and remolded or recycled. The other materials are thermosetting resins that cure into a permanent, inflexible structure and do not melt when heated again. Epoxy resin cures to a strong, crosslinked network; Bakelite is an early phenol-formaldehyde thermoset; melamine resin also forms a crosslinked structure. Therefore, acrylic is the example of a thermoplastic.

The difference being tested is how materials respond to heat: thermoplastics soften when heated and can be reshaped many times, while thermosetting polymers cure to a rigid, crosslinked network and do not melt on reheating. Acrylic fits the thermoplastic behavior, so it can be heated, softened, and remolded or recycled.

The other materials are thermosetting resins that cure into a permanent, inflexible structure and do not melt when heated again. Epoxy resin cures to a strong, crosslinked network; Bakelite is an early phenol-formaldehyde thermoset; melamine resin also forms a crosslinked structure. Therefore, acrylic is the example of a thermoplastic.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy