Plastics There are many types of plastic with a variety of properties and uses They are split into two categories Thermoplastic (can be reheated and reshaped after heating and forming) Thermoset (once heated and formed can not be re-heated and reshaped as it will melt due to its molecular structure

Thermoplastics and there uses 1.HIPS – High Impact Polystyrene (Light but strong plastic) school Project work, Radio controlled car body shells 2.HDPE - High Density Polyethylene – HDPE (strong stiff plastic) is commonly used for milk crates, safety equipment, milk jugs and detergent bottles. 3.PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride – PVC (stiff hard wearing) is used for plastic pipes, water bottles, outdoor furniture, shrink-wrap, liquid detergent containers, and salad dressing containers. 4.LDPE - Low Density Polyethylene – LDPE (softer and more flexible than HDPE) is often used for trash can liners, dry-cleaning bags, produce bags, and food storage containers. 5.PP - Polypropylene – PP (High impact strength) is used for everything from garden furniture, indoor furniture, children's toys to drinking straws and bottle caps

Thermosetting plastics and there uses 1.Polyester Resin (Fiberglass) - Stiff, hard, brittle unless laminated, good electrical insulator, resists chemicals well. Used for casting and encapsulation, bonding of other materials, car bodies, boats. 2.Urea Formaldehyde - Stiff, hard, strong, brittle, good electrical insulator. Used for electrical fittings, handles and control knobs, adhesives. 3.Melamine Formaldehyde - Stiff, hard, strong, resists some chemicals and stains. Used for Laminating work surfaces, electrical insulation, tableware.